Understanding Poverty in Cash-crop Agro-forestry Systems : Evidence from Ghana and Ethiopia

This paper examines the linkages between cash-cropincome and other dimensions of povertyto interrogate assumptions regarding the relationship between agricultural income and povertyalleviation. The analysis treats povertyas a multi-dimensional and socially disaggregated phenomenon. The paper employs a mixed methods approach to case studies of Ghana and Ethiopia to explore two critical issues. First, how income from cash cropsis linked with other dimensions of poverty. Second, how income and land are socially disaggregated. The paper then draws on qualitative data to critically reflect on how povertyis understood within studied communities. The results show that some, but not all, indicators of povertyvary across income quartiles and that significant differences exist across social groups. The analysis suggests that although cash cropsare essential, focusing on increasing income from cash cropswill not necessarily have a predictable or progressive impact on wellbeing. Furthermore, the analysis highlights how contextual factors, such as the provision of communal services, the nature of land holdings and the quality of local governance mediate the potential povertyalleviating outcomes of income increases. Future development of sustainable intensification strategies should focus on the prevalence of trade-offs and the fundamental social relations underpinning povertydynamics.