Gender, Food Security and Livelihoods: The Case of Plan Ghana And Sissala

The study was used by Plan International to formulate a common Nutrition Action Plan for its food and nutrition security interventions in developing countries. The aim was to get insight into the food and nutrition security as well as livelihoods status at the household and community level of the people of Sissala. Specifically the study focused on the contribution made by Plan interventions to improve livelihoods, the food and nutrition security of households and communities, the impact on gender and to identify indicators for monitoring and evaluation. The survey was carried out in three centrally placed communities selected to ensure an even coverage of Plan Ghana activities in the Sissala West District of Ghana. Data was collected at community and individual levels using Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) procedures consisting of focus group discussions, seasonal calendars, preference ranking, and matrix scoring and ranking together with limited questionnaire administration, observation and photography. Results indicated the provision of health, education, economic, social and environmental conservation activities in the form of microfinance, awareness creation, collective services and structural placements. Found to be broad based, the services relate to and benefit women, men, the youth and children at household and community levels. The study revealed the need for the intensification of efforts, additional strategies and programmes, a wider area of coverage and recruitment of more hands to overcome the acute deprivations in Sissala