Negotiating livelihoods and scale in the context of neoliberal globalization: perspectives from Accra, Ghana

Type Journal Article - African Geographical Review
Title Negotiating livelihoods and scale in the context of neoliberal globalization: perspectives from Accra, Ghana
Author(s)
Volume 26
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2007
Page numbers 11-36
URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19376812.2007.9756200#.VZmEdfntmko
Abstract
This paper investigates livelihood strategies in the context of neoliberal globalization through a case study of a peri-urban area in Ghana. Existing literature on urban livelihoods suggests that adjustment policies and other neoliberal reforms both impact and are affected by socioeconomic and material resources available to households. Our discussion explores the dynamic nature of urban livelihood strategies in the face of increased integration into the global economy. The study provides background information and in-depth analyses of how individuals, households, and communities make a living in the face of structural adjustment and more recent neoliberal reforms. Through a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods, the research examines economic strategies as well as the broad processes affecting these livelihoods in the context of globalization. The findings indicate that livelihood strategies in the capital city of Accra are linked to economic shifts at the national and international levels. Finally, this study addresses policy implications and suggests measures to expand the sustainability of household livelihoods in urban environments.

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