North-South Migration in Ghana: What Drives it?

Abstract

Additionally, most of them cited climate variability as the primary factor, followed by LULCC-related push factors, for their decision to migrate from northern to southern Ghana (see figures 1 and 2). Agriculture in the northern region of Ghana is primarily subsistence and rain-fed, making it highly susceptible to the adverse effects of both LULCC and climate variability. According to key informants, such as Agricultural Extension officers, and corroborated by some of the interviewed farmers, crop cultivation in the northern part of the country has witnessed a significant decline over the years due to unpredictable weather conditions and land degradation. Moreover, the financial burden associated with farming, including the cost of purchasing fertilizers, has become a major disincentive. The findings also highlight that, comparatively, a reduction in rainfall stands as the primary factor driving most individuals from the north to the southern regions of the country.