Men and Women in Trades: Changing trends of home-based enterprises in Ga-mashie

Abstract

This paper examines changes in home-based enterprises in Ga-Mashie, a coastal community in Accra, Ghana, in response to changes in government and economic policies. With the arrival of the Europeans and the creation of the Accra port in the community, there were modifications in home-based enterprises from predominantly fish processing and farming activities to food vending and trading, mainly in the sale of European goods. Under post-independence policies, including Structural Adjustment Programmes, some of these activities have been maintained, whilst others have undergone diversification, in order to address the challenging socio-economic needs of people. Policymakers must therefore take cognisance of the fact that these home-based enterprises have become important livelihood strategies in response to changes in government and economic policies, the rapid urbanisation process and the lack of formal job opportunities. There is the need, therefore, to consider incorporating them into the overall development agenda.