Poverty assessment in Ghana - using qualitative and participatory research methods
Norton, andy | Bortei-Doku Aryeetey, Ellen | Korboe, David | Dogbe, D.K. Tony
The overall objective of this study was to contribute to social policy formulation in Ghana, through a widespread understanding of the processes that lead to poverty, in a participatory manner. Social groups, from different environments participated in the assessment, with special emphasis placed on understanding the experience, and constraints, the poor face in terms of accessibility to, and quality of, social services deliverance. While consistency in defining poverty was prevalent, assets at the community level, were seen more important to rural communities than urban, which included basic infrastructure and access to extension services. Similarly, the view of poverty as a dynamic condition, impacting entire communities, was particularly strong in the northern rural areas - vulnerable to drought - while, urban areas view poverty as an individual condition. Gender dimensions emerged after stressing the fact that there are substantial elements of separation to men's and women's livelihoods. Food security was predominant in ranking priority elements in rural areas, followed by accessibility to water, health care, and education. The report explored the cost barriers involved in accessing social services, and the actual absence of exemptions from user charges. Interestingly, education emerged as a major concern, not much so in terms of basic access, but rather in terms of quality of teaching and facilities.
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