Urban Environmental Governance and Food Security in Wa Municipality

Abstract

The world's population continues to be urbanized and cities have reached a newly defined role, initiate the environmental survival of humans by ensuring that; large concentrations of people can find more sustainable ways to establish a positive correlation with nature. The effects of urbanization on the environment, food security is strongly linked and influence urban centres comprising of food production and waste management. In Wa Municipality urban population continues to increase resulting in large number of households relying on the market to provide at least part of their food needs. This study presents the findings of a case study that assessed the effects of policy dimensions on urban environmental governance and food security in Sombo, Kpogu, Piisi and Kperisi communities in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Using the convergent mixed method, random and accidental sampling technique, 157 household heads and 10 traders of various staple foods participated in the study, of which structured questionnaires were administered. Findings show lack of arable lands for farming, high cost of farm inputs, dependence market supply for food, financial constraints, seasonality of food supply as reasons for households’ inability to assess food frequently. Furthermore, the study revealed that poor communication insufficient funds, dysfunctional systems are the causes of policies failure on urban environmental governance and food security. Finally, the study recommends food-scaping in governing the urban environment where each yard has a portion for the production food staples and neighbours consult and trade food amongst themselves.