Urbanization and Pattern of Urban Food Consumption in Ashanti Region, Ghana: Implications for Food Security

Abstract

The study assesses the influence of rapid urbanization on urban consumption pattern and food security of the urban dweller using primary data collected from urban households in Ashanti region of Ghana. The food security index was estimated based on a minimum daily calorie requirement of 2900Kcal. The consumption pattern indicates that yam, cassava and rice are gaining importance in urban household diet in the region. The expenditure share also shows that food constitutes 74.6% of urban household budget. The estimated food security index of the region is 0.66, implying that on average urban households in the region are food insecure. The results further show that 78.5% of the respondents are food insecure whiles  34.2%  are affected by severe food insecurity. The study therefore recommends that government and other stakeholders should promote the consumption of local foods by branding local foods. Also, creation of alternative livelihood activities in urban areas could increase household income and increase their access to food.

Keywords: Urbanization, Consumption pattern, Food security, Urban Households