Community resource management areas and household food security in northern Ghana: Insights from a socio-ecological systems perspective

Food insecurity remains a pressing challenge in rural Ghana, particularly in the semi-arid northern regions where sociodemographic, socio-economic, and environmental factors heighten household risks. In response, Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) have been introduced as decentralized governance structures to promote sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity, and improve livelihoods. However, the extent to which CREMAs influence household food security remains underexplored. Grounded in the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework, this study has two main objectives: (1) to determine variations in food security between households located within CREMAs and those outside CREMAs (non-CREMA households), and (2) to analyze the socio-demographic and socio-economic factors that explain such variations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 517 smallholder farmer households across four community contexts, Wechiau, Dorimo, Zukpiri, and Chakali, in northern Ghana. Using ordered logistic regression analysis, the results show that households within CREMAs experience lower levels of severe food insecurity compared to non-CREMA households. Food security outcomes varied across zones, influenced by factors such as age, education, gender, household size, wealth, home gardening, livestock rearing, access to credit, and remittances, with context-specific effects. These findings underscore the vital role of CREMAs in enhancing household food security by promoting improved resource governance and sustainable practices. A dual approach is recommended to address food insecurity in northern Ghana. This entails scaling up CREMAs and reinforcing community resource management, while simultaneously strengthening governance, broadening financial and livelihood opportunities, and providing targeted support to vulnerable households. • The SES framework explored how systems and context affect food security in northern Ghana. • CREMA households face less severe food insecurity than non-CREMA communities. • Food security is shaped by age, gender, education, gardening, livestock, credit, and remittances. • Scaling-up CREMAs and supporting smallholder farmers are recommended to combat food insecurity.