Conflict Exposure and Agricultural Diversification in Ghana

Conflict exposure is a growing concern in parts of Ghana and West Africa, where localized disputes and broader instability disrupt agricultural livelihoods. Farmers exposed to conflict often face displacement, loss of assets, and reduced access to markets. Diversification — the practice of spreading production across multiple crops — is one strategy households use to mitigate risk. This study examines how conflict exposure influences agricultural diversification, situating conflict as both a driver and constraint of household resilience. The broader challenge is that conflict reshapes incentives and opportunities. Some households diversify to reduce vulnerability, while others are forced into subsistence strategies due to insecurity. Understanding these dynamics is critical for designing policies that support resilience in conflict-prone areas. This research situates diversification within the broader discourse on risk management and household welfare.

Household survey data was collected across conflict-affected and non-affected regions. Econometric models were applied to measure the impact of conflict exposure on diversification indices, controlling for income, demographics, and location. Qualitative interviews provided insights into household coping strategies, including shifts in crop choice and reliance on subsistence farming. Comparative analysis was conducted to capture differences between conflict-exposed and stable households. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.