Gender, Agriculture, and Rural Development: Empowering Women through Tomato Farming in Agortime-Ziope District, Volta Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18533/daztka66Keywords:
Agricultural Empowerment, Community Development, Gender Roles, Land Ownership, Tomato FarmingAbstract
This study explores the role of rural women in tomato farming as a strategy for economic empowerment and community development in the Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving structured questionnaires with 90 women farmers, focus group discussions, and interviews with agricultural extension officers. The findings revealed that tomato farming contributes significantly to household income, food security, and women’s participation in local decision-making. However, challenges such as limited access to land, credit, and markets constrain productivity. Statistical analysis, including Chi-Square tests, showed a strong association between land ownership and income levels, as well as between cooperative membership and leadership participation. The study concludes that empowering women through secure land access and cooperative engagement enhances both individual livelihoods and community transformation. Policy recommendations include gender-responsive land reforms and support for women-led agricultural cooperatives.
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