Mapping food accessibility and examining drivers of staple food sources and household food security: insights from Bia West district, Ghana

Abstract Cocoa expansion positively impacts Ghana’s economy. However, this growth occurs at the expense of food crop farming. Therefore, it is essential to understand how this expansion has affected cocoa households’ dietary diversity and food security to develop sustainable agricultural and livelihood strategies. Our study examines the determinants of household staple food sources and food security among cocoa farmers in the Bia West District of Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey of 200 cocoa-producing household heads, we employed household dietary diversity scores (HDDS) to assess dietary diversity and food security status. We further explore the relationship between staple food sources and food security outcomes. Multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify socio-economic factors affecting household staple food sources and food security. Results reveal that 55.6% of the households sourcing staple foods from both self-produced and market-based sources are more likely to be food secure than those relying solely on one source. Factors such as household total income– above Gh¢30,000, age, secondary education, tertiary education, marital status– widow/widower, and increase in food production significantly influence food security. The outcomes underscore the importance of diverse food acquisition sources and call for policies supporting cocoa farmers in maintaining both food production and cash crop cultivation to enhance household food security.