Gender, land tenure dynamics and livelihood: A Comparison of the Central and Volta Regions of Ghana Using Logistic Regression Analysis

Abstract

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis of secondary data were undertaken to compare the Volta and Central Regions of Ghana using gender as the key independent variable. The main hypothesis was that differences in the dynamics of land access, control and use in the study regions would be explained by gender inequities, manifested, in part, through the different systems of inheritance (matrilineal and patrilineal) which would further produce differences in livelihood, particularly income. Gender did not produce statistically significant effects, while region of residence was barely significant, only for control over land. All factors kept constant, the odds that respondents in the Volta Region had control over land were less likely than the odds for their Central Regional counterparts. Having access to land turned out to be the main determining variable for livelihood. The results could be explained by the finding that respondents used lineage land the least for their primary occupation. It points to the increasing alternative land tenure arrangements, which are not necessarily gender-dependent. This increasing overlapping land rights have implications for security of land ownership, use and control, and consequent repercussions for development, including food and income security.