Philippine E-Journals

Sustaining livelihoods Interventions in Ghana through the use of Endogenous Development Frameworks: A Review of Basket Weaving in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana

ANAB CHRYSOGONUS

 

Abstract:

The sustainability of rural livelihoods has become a significant concern to small producers and development organizations. This study examined basket weaving, a major livelihood activity in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana, with support from NGOs, private and state organizations. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of this livelihood activity due to the approaches used by the development organizations. The researcher employed a qualitative research methodology, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews to investigate this problem. A total of 80 basket weavers and 12 development organizations were sampled for the study. The results showed incongruity in the expectations of the basket weavers and that of the development organizations supporting basket weaving in the study area. While the basket weavers sought to meet their economic, social, and spiritual needs, the interest of the development organizations was the economic empowerment of the basket weavers. The conservation of the vetiver grass, water, and fuel resources, the use of community resources, particularly the spiritual beliefs, practices, and values of the basket weavers, and the institutionalization of an annual festival for basket weaving where recommendations tabled for boosting and sustaining the basket weaving industry in the study area.