FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE DRIVERS OF LAND USE CHANGE AND THEIR IMPACTS ON LIVELIHOODS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE CENTRAL GONJA DISTRICT OF GHANA

Author

Adizatu Mohammed, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2025

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography and Environmental Resources

First Advisor

Hurst, Kristin

Abstract

Historical trends and previous research indicate that climate change and anthropogenic factors, such as population growth and urbanization, are key drivers of agricultural land use change in Ghana. However, there is limited understanding of how local farmers in the Central Gonja District perceive and adapt to the rapid changes in land use occurring within the region.This study explores the conversion of agricultural land use from a social perspective, focusing on farmers’ perceptions of land use changes in the district. A total of 30 farmers were individually interviewed using a purposive sampling to identify the driving factors behind land use change and to assess its impacts on their livelihoods and the environment. Additionally, the study examines the role of policies and regulations in influencing land use change. The findings highlight changing climatic conditions, weak land tenure systems, and increasing population growth as the key drivers of land use change in the district. Other significant factors, such as deforestation and sand mining, were identified as contributors to flooding and land erosion, further exacerbating negative impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and the environment. The study recommends enhancing climate education and advocacy efforts and implementing policies that effectively regulate land tenure systems to mitigate the adverse effects of land use change.