Land tenure security is a critical foundation for sustainable economic activity and livelihood for many households in Ghana. For women in the northern part of Ghana, this takes on an even pronounced meaning.  

The northern part of Ghana falls under the savanna ecological zone with limited rainfall and therefore limited agricultural activity. Unlike other parts of the country where more households could do two farming seasons in a year, households in northern Ghana typically have one planting season in a year. The women therefore engage in some additional livelihood activities such as shea nut picking and selling, shea butter processing as well participating in other related activities in the shea value chain.   

We have learned from our work in different communities in northern Ghana over the years that; 

Securing land rights for women in northern Ghana is about securing access, occupation, use and control of land and landed resources for both farming purposes, and for non-farming purposes such as shea nut picking and processing. 

The dynamics around land tenure in northern Ghana are influenced by local customs, traditional practices and religious beliefs. These have deep implications for women in northern Ghana. 

Household dynamics, polygamy and the strict enforcement of gender roles in a traditionally large family households place obligations on females and limit their engagement in productive roles.  

At COLANDEF, we are passionately committed to promoting women’s land rights. Education and awareness raising for women, men and traditional leaders is our on-going strategy to help clarify how important and possible it is to grant women access, occupation and sustained use of rights to land and landed resources without compromising any long-held tradition and culture. Our work is far from over! We are ready to reach even more women with our interventions, join us to make an impact.