Examining the participation of women in the Formulation of Food and Agricultural Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II) : a case study in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ghana

Women play a significant role in the agricultural sector in Ghana, and yet they often lack power in making decisions and creating policies in the agricultural sector. More research is needed to understand how rural women have been involved in policymaking, barriers to participation, and what can be done to improve participation. To address this gap, my research employed a qualitative case study approach to examine women’s involvement in agricultural decision-making in general and the formulation of the current agriculture policy dubbed “Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II)” in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Using semi-structured interviews with farmwomen and agricultural stakeholders, I found that the majority of women participate in agricultural decision-making in their houses and communities. Most women in the study were part of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), in contrast to previous research; however, most rural women faced barriers participating in decision-making at the Municipal Assembly-level due to factors such as patriarchal culture, inadequate resources, organizational/representational barriers, and low level of education. Regarding FASDEP II specifically, women faced similar barriers to participation as well as a lack of good communication about participation in policymaking. To enhance women’s participation in agricultural decisions and policymaking, the farmwomen and stakeholders in the study suggested more informal education, adequate resources for community consultation, and strengthening organizational structures as well as effective coordination and communication between government officials and rural farmers. Policies can be successfully implemented when the national authorities involve the beneficiaries in their design and planning.Includes bibliographical references (pages 113-127)."In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Rural Development.