Description

Abstract: Agriculture-dependent populations often experience seasonal food insecurity. The perception of severe food shortages was documented in 6 rural and 6 semi-rural communities in 3 regions of Ghana. Data were collected through interview-administered questionnaires with 845 households. There were significant regional differences in the reported pattern of severe household food shortages (p<0.05). Northern communities reported a pattern that was moderately high throughout the year, around 15% of households, and a peak in May. Mid-country communities showed consistently high shortages, around 40%, with little monthly variation. The coastal communities reported little to no food shortages from August through February with a sharp peak in May to June. There were significant differences between rural and semi-rural communities. Prevalence of food shortages was higher for semi-rural communities in the North and Coast during the peak months (p<0.05), but higher in the rural North in November and December (p<0.05). Understanding regional and locale differences that influence access to food is essential to enhancing food security in Ghana. Support was through GL-CRSP, funded in part by USAID, Grant # PCE-G-00-98-00036-00, and a CIHR grant to Harding.