The implication of land expropriation for gold mining on the land tenure system and smallholder farmers' livelihoods in the Talensi district of Ghana

Abstract

Land is the primary source of livelihood for smallholder farmers. However, recent years has witnessed a huge transformation in the agrarian sector with the introduction of neoliberal policies leading to the expropriation of land. The neoliberal policies have paved the way for the proliferation of individuals, companies, and government expropriating the farmlands of smallholder farmers. The expropriation of land has evolved the expulsion of smallholder farmers and limiting their source of livelihoods, which has negatively affected their welfare in rural communities. As a result, the study sought to assess the implication of land expropriation for gold mining on the land tenure system and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ghana. The research is a cross-sectional study based on a mixed-method. With the mixed method, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 120 research respondents using structured and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Focus group discussion was also used to solicit historical data from the traditional authorities. Key informants such as the Ghana Mineral and Exchange Commission, the mining companies and other community members were also interviewed. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression to determine how changes in respondents land resulting from the expropriation have resulted in the change in household income. However, themes and content analysis were used to analyze the qualitative data while maintaining direct quotes. The results of the research reveal the emergence of land expropriation for gold mining has created tenure insecurity and expulsion of smallholder farmers without consultation and compensation, and the transformation of the customary land tenure system in the community. The study also reveals the emergence of land expropriation has created social differentiation among respondents and created social tension in the community. The findings of the research show farmers are exiting agricul