This study could not have materialised without the support of the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation (Ghana Office), the FAO Regional Office for Africa and WiLDAF Ghana. I thank the respective heads and representatives of these institutions for expressing an interest to conduct research that would eventually benefit the men and women of Ghana. Special thanks to Mrs. Hilary Gbedemah of SNV/WILDAF located in the Volta Region of Ghana for her immense support especially at the initial stage of the research and to Ms. Caroline Brants of the FAO Regional Office for Africa for her invaluable technical support and commitment throughout the exercise.
I owe a depth of gratitude to those men and women who agreed to take leave from their official work to assist with the field work: Mr. Stephen Afranie and Mr. Kojovi Honu, both of the Sociology Department of the University of Ghana, who assisted with the laying of the foundation for the work to begin. Much thanks also to Ms. Charlotte Mensah, Mr. Uri Mckakpo, Mr. Godfried Egbi, Ms. Vida Hator, Ms. Benedicta Bredzie, Mr. Winfred Peck, Mr.William Azalettor, Ms. Gifty Boafo, Ms. Patricia Akosua Opomaa Asare and Ms. Carina Roger.
I very much thank my family for supporting me during the busy nights and days of the research.
BEATRICE AKUA DUNCAN
