Urbanisation and its impact on agricultural lands in growing cities in developing countries: a case study of Tamale in Ghana

Rapid urbanisation, population pressure and the governmental, shelter, infrastructural, industrial and commercial needs of a fast growing city have stretched the land delivery system in Tamale to breaking point. Agricultural lands, which serves as the main source of livelihood, has been encroached by the process. This paper seeks to assess the impact of rapid urbanisation on agricultural lands in developing cities, drawing empirical evidence from Tamale, Ghana. The research used a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods including interviews and questionnaires to collect and analyse data from stakeholders in selected peri urban areas in the Tamale city region. Contrary to the mainstream view that the polygamous nature of Northern region is the main source of increment in the population and thus urbanisation in the area, stakeholders’ perception was different as responses indicated that the rapid urbanisation of Tamale is as a result of increased commercial activities and its strategic location. The rapid urbanisation of Tamale sparked up a succession syndrome where prime agricultural lands have been converted to other land uses believed to be the highest and best use. The pressures of urbanisation have negative implications on predominantly poor farming communities in the Tamale region. Policy focus should be geared towards the protection of prime agricultural lands that serves as main sources of livelihood. Urbanisation is necessary but not to the extent of denying the rural folks of their main source of livelihood.