Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
AGRICULTURE AND SOCIETY
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AGRICULTURE AND SOCIETY
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Agriculture
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Grade code: 2.1.1.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.1.1.CS.2
Indicator code: 2.1.1.LI.2
Theme: CONCEPT OF AGRICULTURE IN A N INDUSTRIALIZING SOCIETY
Subtheme: AGRICULTURE AND SOCIETY
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This lesson explores one of the most fundamental aspects of agriculture in Ghana: land tenure. The system that determines who has the right to use land, for how long, and under what conditions directly impacts everything from a smallholder farmer's ability to feed their family to a large company's decision to invest in a plantation. Understanding these systems is crucial because they shape our food security, rural economies, and even social harmony. We will investigate how these rules can either encourage or discourage agricultural investment and productivity, with a special focus on how they affect different groups in our society, including women and persons with disabilities.
A. What is a Land Tenure System?
A Land Tenure System refers to the set of rules, laws, and customs that govern how land is owned, used, managed, and transferred within a society. It basically answers the questions: Who can use the land? (e.g., an individual, a family, a community, the state) For how long can they use it? (e.g., for one season, for life, forever) What can they use it for? (e.g., farming, building, mining) What are their rights and responsibilities? (e.g., can they sell it, rent it out, use it for a loan?)
Security of tenure is a critical concept. It means a farmer is confident that their right to the land is protected and will not be taken away arbitrarily. High security encourages long-term planning and investment. B. Major Land Tenure Systems in Ghana and Their Effects Customary Land Tenure System
This is the most common system in Ghana, governing about 80% of all land. It is based on the traditions and customs of a particular community (Stool, Skin, or Family). Key Feature: The ultimate ownership, called the Allodial Title, is held by the community (e.g., the Ashanti Stool, the Dagbon Skin, or a family clan). Individuals and families from that community have the right to use the land. This right is called the Usufructuary Interest or Customary Freehold. It means they have the right to use and benefit from the land, and this right can be passed down to their children. Effects on Agricultural Production (Positive): Accessibility: Members of the community can access land for farming without needing large sums of money to buy it. Security for Members: The usufructuary right is generally secure as long as the person or family continues to use the land and remains loyal to the community/stool. This encourages the cultivation of long-term crops like cocoa, cashew, or oil palm. Social Cohesion: It binds the community together and ensures that land resources are available for its members. Effects on Agricultural Production (Negative): Lack of Documentation: Ownership is often not formally registered or documented. This makes it extremely difficult for farmers to use the land as collateral to secure loans from banks for farm expansion or mechanization. Land Fragmentation: As land is passed down through generations, it is often divided among many children. This leads to smaller and smaller farm plots, which are inefficient to farm, especially with machinery like tractors. Land Disputes: Without clear boundaries and documents, disputes over ownership are common between families or neighbouring communities, which can disrupt farming activities. Difficulty in Sale: It can be difficult or impossible to sell land held under usufructuary right, limiting a farmer's ability to move or consolidate their assets. Sharecropping / Tenancy System (Abunu and Abusa)