Emelia Guo^1,, Agnes Atia Apusigah², Abdul-Rahaman Ibn Imoru³

Due to the persistent nature of food insecurity in northern Ghana, Ghana Government over the years has implemented policies aimed at achieving food security. Nonetheless, these policies have their inherent biases, therefore, defeat some of their intended purposes. This study sought to assess the complementarities and trade-offs of smallholder famers’ local knowledge (LK) of farming and modern approaches (MA) proposed by Northern Rural Growth Programme and Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan in their agricultural production. Mixed method research was used for this study. Five communities were randomly selected for Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) with a total sample size of 91. FGD and semi structured interview guides were used to collect data. Data were analysed using SPSS and Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). Out of 7 agricultural production knowledge identified, LK in weather prediction, farm implements, and soil fertility management were used to support MA both in FGD’s and interviews representing 96.7%, 86.8 % and 79.1 % respectively, whereas LK was traded-off in livestock and poultry rearing, storage methods/facilities, seeds and farm labour during FGD’s and interviews representing 100%, 89.0%, 100% and 86.8% respectively. The MA’s have the potential to decrease food insecurity, however, policy makers must consider farmers in policy formulation and implementation.

food insecurity, food security, complementarity, trade-offs