Food Security in Ghana: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Food security, a narrative woven with threads of aspiration and adversity, demands a critical re-evaluation, particularly within the context of urbanizing nations like Ghana. Ghana, a nation undergoing rapid urbanization, faces a complex interplay of factors impacting its food systems, with economically vulnerable groups bearing a disproportionate burden. This study undertakes a comprehensive literature review to understand the multifaceted nature of food security in Ghanaian urban centers, challenging simplified portrayals and offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the nation’s food landscape. The significance of this review lies in its potential to inform evidence-based interventions, guide future research, and contribute to the formulation of context-specific policies aimed at improving food security for urban dwellers. As argued by scholars evaluating food-security-related policies, collaborative strategies and active participation are essential for nations to achieve food security. This work builds upon the foundation laid by those who have explored the intersection of urbanization and food security, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the nation's food security challenges.

This study spans the existing literature on urban food security in Ghana, with a focus on pivotal domains: food access, food supply, food safety and quality, food utilization, and perceived food insecurity. Thematically, it explores the impact of urbanization, the role of multi-sector interventions, and the need for qualitative research. Building upon the work of scholars who have examined the impact of urbanization on food security in Ghana, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence and identify key gaps in the research landscape.

This study addresses key research questions: How does urbanization impact food security in Ghanaian urban centers? What are the key challenges and opportunities related to food access, supply, safety and quality, utilization, and perceived food insecurity? What are the implications of the existing evidence for policy and intervention development? The objectives are to critically analyze the existing literature, identify key research gaps, and inform the development of context-specific interventions aimed at improving food security in urban Ghana. As articulated by scholars who have explored the complex interactions between food systems and nutrition in Ghana, understanding the available evidence is crucial for addressing the challenges of food security in urban settings.

This review critically analyzes the various dimensions of urban food security in Ghana, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities within each domain. It examines the factors influencing food access, including cleanliness and hygiene, price, and vendor willingness to offer food on credit. It explores the sources of food supply, noting the reliance on small-scale suppliers from rural areas and the limited food supply observed in low-income households. It assesses the state of food safety and quality, revealing widespread contamination of foods sold in Ghanaian markets with microorganisms, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants. It examines patterns of food utilization, including the prevalence of skipping meals among older age groups, the frequent consumption of energy-dense street foods, and the low consumption of fruits and vegetables among low socio-economic groups.