OWNING FOOD: THE IMPACT OF LIVING IN MALE-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS ON WOMEN’S FOOD SECURITY – A CASE STUDY OF THE KUMBUNGU DISTRICT IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

In 2012, the WFP conducted a food vulnerability survey in districts of northern Ghana. The report identified female-headed households in the region as the most vulnerable in terms of food insecurity - 38% of households headed by women had the highest risk of food shortage. Considering that women head only 5% of households in the northern region, the WFP food vulnerability report failed to account for the food security situation of women living in male-headed household, who constitute the majority household make-up in the region. It also created the impression that living in male-headed household reduced women’s vulnerability of food insecurity. This study evaluates the food security situation of women living in male-headed households in northern Ghana. It investigates how living in male-headed households impacts women’s access to and control over their nutritional needs.