ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO MOTHERHOOD CHALLENGES: A STUDY OF TEENAGE MOTHERS IN THE ADAKLU DISTRICT OF GHANA

ABSTRACT Teenage mothers face many challenges including those of physical, emotional and psychological nature. Despite the difficulties teenage mothers encounter, some of them are able to succeed in life when the appropriate support systems and adaptive measures are made available to them. This study assessed adaptation strategies of teenage mothers to cope with challenges associated with teenage motherhood. Qualitative data methods including narrative, focus group discussion, photo voice and in-depth interviews were used. The study sampled 30 teenage mothers and 17 stakeholders purposively. Vulnerability to Resiliency framework guided the study. The results reveal that transactional sex, cultural factors and sleeping arrangements are the major causes of teenage motherhood in the study area. Teenage mothers adapted to the challenges of motherhood by depending on support from family members, the Ghana Education Service, NGO’s, Social Welfare Department, and churches in the District. Also, teenage mothers depended on both internal and external assets to adapt to challenges when the need arose. Teenage mothers engaged in agricultural and non-agricultural activities as their source of livelihoods. It is concluded that although teenage mothers’ strife to adjust to their circumstances, they struggle with the challenge of creating sustainability of their livelihoods. Among others, it is recommended that, the District Assembly and NGOs in the District equip the teenage mothers with other employable skills to diversify their livelihoods and ensure sustainability.