Land Repossession: An Analysis of Migrant Farmer Vulnerabilities and Alternative Livelihood Strategies in Ghana

The increasing population and urbanization in peri-urban Ghana have affected migrant farmers' land resource and livelihoods. The high demand of land for residential and developmental purposes has resulted in re-possession of farmlands in peri urban areas by land owners, at the expense of migrant farmers. This study analyses the extent of vulnerability challenges that affect migrant farmers as a result of land repossession, and alternative strategies employed to curb the challenge. A mixed method approach research was conducted in three communities: Oda, Asene, and Aboabo. The study adapted the sustainable livelihood approach in analyzing vulnerability challenges, and livelihood strategies. The study findings revealed that migrant farmers become economically and socially vulnerable temporarily because of land re-possession, but consequently, devise alternative livelihood strategies to ameliorate the problems. The study recommends that migrant farmers should have their farmlands registered to cover all contractual agreements with landowners to secure land for farming activities.