Review of Rural Development Strategies in Ghana Since Independence

Abstract

Ghana which once had an advanced industrial base and enjoyed the highest standard of living in Sub-Saharan Africa at independence in 1957 now remains amongst the poorest countries in Africa. Although more than half of the population live in the rural areas which are prominent and dominant with regard to food production, employment and income, the people in the rural areas experience most poverty and deprivation.

In addition, the rural areas face a triad of problems, namely, rapid population growth, poor agricultural performance and increasing environmental degradation – all of which have contributed to local food insecurity and increased rural poverty. A large part of the explanation for rural-urban migration can be blamed on distribution of resources which have been skewed towards urban development and economic stagnation of the rural areas.

This paper examines the history of rural development in Ghana and highlights some of the problems and opportunities in efforts by past and present governments to improve the living conditions in the rural areas.