Food insecurity affects 92% of women shellfishers in three Ghanaian estuaries

Researchers surveyed 504 women aged 15–49 engaged in oyster harvesting, processing or retailing at the Densu, Narkwa Lagoon and Whin estuaries in Ghana between June and July 2021. Food insecurity was assessed with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Logistic regression examined associated factors; the adjusted analysis included 501 participants.

Overall, 92.1% were food insecure: 78.6% severely, 11.1% moderately and 2.4% mildly. Prevalence by site was 93.5% at Densu, 94.0% at Narkwa and 87.7% at Whin; the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.081). In adjusted analyses, food insecurity was associated with residence at Densu rather than Whin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.98, 95% CI 1.30–7.05) and being unmarried (aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.07–6.15). Higher household asset score was inversely associated with food insecurity (aOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.98). Oyster consumption was not associated with food insecurity.

The findings document substantial food insecurity in this group and may help inform locally tailored support for coastal livelihoods. Because the study was cross-sectional and the sites were purposively selected, it cannot establish causation or show that any intervention would reduce food insecurity; results may not generalize beyond the surveyed communities.