Analyzing Food Security through Flood Recession Farming: A Case Study of the Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals one and two aim at reducing poverty and eradicating hunger by the year 2030. However, the realization of these goals, especially among subsistent farmers in Africa, is marred by the occurrence of climatic events such as floods and drought which have retarded crop production in the sub-region. This means that there is a need to explore other alternative farming practices to ensure food security. The study sought to analyze the contributions of flood recession farming to food security in the Sudan ecological zone of Ghana. Qualitative approach was adopted, wherein 30 respondents were selected to participate in the study. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and field observation was how data was collected. The data obtained from the field were analyzed using qualitative data analysis. From the study, it was observed that the nature of the soil in the Sudan ecological zone contains nutrients that promote both wet and dry seasons of farming. Flood recession farming was identified to provide more crop yield than the wet season as it has the potential to ensure food security in the region. Based on that it is recommended that more attention should be given to flood recession farming to ensure all year-round farming in the area as a measure of ensuring food security.