Effects Of Agricultural Activities Of Rural Women On The Soil, Water Bodies And The Vegetation In Sota In The Greater Accra Region

ABSTRACT This research was an attempt to investigate the effects of agricultural activities of rural women on the soil, water bodies and vegetation in Sota, in the Greater Accra Region. The aim of the research was to collect and analyze data on the effect of agricultural practices of female fanners in Sota on the soil, water bodies and vegetation; their level of awareness of major environmental issues, factors which influence behavioural changes of the female farmer with regards to the sustenance of the environment and to make suggestions for environmental protection and sustenance. The research was carried out at Sota in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 110 female farmers, but only 101 were available for the study. Personal interviews were conducted with respondents in their homes and/or farms. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most of the respondents undertook activities which affect the environment negatively. These included slashing and burning (86.1%), felling of trees and selling of fuel wood and charcoal (58.5%) and use of agrochemicals (55.4%), which destroyed beneficial insects, affected the vegetation and soil and reduced productivity. Regarding the level of awareness of major environmental issues it was revealed that 67.3% of the respondents stated that agricultural activities do not have negative effects on the environment. Based on the findings, it was concluded that agricultural activities of female fanners in Sota in the Dangme West District affect the soil, water bodies and vegetation. It is recommended that education on environmental issues should be intensified to help solve these problems.