Enhancing the process of economic growth and development: A modified agricultural and mining livelihoods framework (Ghana)

This study examines the linkages, interaction interface between agriculture and gold-mining in the Wassa West District---Ghana. This is done within the scope of a conceptual, and analytical framework developed from the literature and empirical research studies on economic growth and development. Data collection was done in the six major rural settlements comprising Fifty-four electoral areas within the district between May and October 2003. Eight hundred respondents were selected for formal survey and interviewed alongside participant observation of the indigenous and, discussions held with key individuals associated with both central government and local administrative establishments---ministries and departments. The findings revealed that the interaction between agriculture and gold-mining in the study region is linked with a complicated land tenure system. The local interface between agriculture and mining in the Wassa West District has placed high value on land, hence the evolution of institution of various types of land tenure system over past century. Moreover, the interaction between agriculture and gold-mining has led to the evolution of a peculiar transfer and movement of socio-economic resources (human and capital) within the development process. The findings for this study led to the development of a modified framework in the enhancement of the process of socio-economic growth and development. This framework was proven to be effective in examining linkages within socio-economic reforms and transformation toward higher levels of economic growth and development in Ghana. Although the focus of this study is the Wassa West District in Ghana, much of its findings and analysis, including the model, could be generalized and applied to developing economies with particular reference to rural extractive based communities around the world. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...