State Policy, Depeasantization and Agrarian Change: The Effects of Presidential Special Initiative (PSI) on Cassava-Starch on Peasant Farmers’ Socio-Economic Livelihoods

Abstract

This study focuses on the interface between state policy initiatives, the process of depeasantisation and agrarian change, using the Presidential Special Initiative on Cassava-Starch as a case. Employing both quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques, primary data were collected from six farming communities in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya and Atebubu-Amantin districts of the Central and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana. The analysis of primary data revealed that with the right policy initiatives by the state, it is possible to systematically incorporate peasant farmers into mainstream economy and to improve their socio-economic livelihoods. To this extent, the study recommends among others that given the importance of cassava to peasant farmers and its potential in both local and international markets, there should be consistent effort to promote its cultivation through extensive research and development with the view of introducing new varieties with high yields along with right agronomic practices.