摘要：The United Nations has stated that denying smallholder farmer access to land is a denial of their right to food and livelihood. According to FAO, about 70 percent of the world food supply comes from the smallholder farmers. While the world population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, it has been projected that world food production is increased by 50 percent by 2050. This calls for proper land reforms to make agricultural lands accessible to smallholder farmers in order to achieve SDG 2. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the impact of the accelerated conversion of fertile arable lands to real estate development in Ghana and policy gaps. The study, which was exploratory, reviewed journals, articles, books, conference papers, policy briefs, workshops reports and other relevant materials to identify and assess the problem, and policy gaps. The study has revealed that even though, the structural adjustment programme in Ghana brought to light prospect to the private sector, it worsened farmer’s plight as many lost their lands to companies including the real estate due to lack of documentation. The study revealed that in the western region, over 12,500 acres of agricultural lands have been sold to oil and gas related companies for other uses. In the central region, about 2,000-2,500 acres of lands at Gomoa and Awutu Seenya have also been lost to real estate developers. Findings also revealed that one-meter square decrease in land size decreases food-driven investments by $1.72 in the area. The problem is alarming, leading to loss of biodiversity, livelihood and deepening poverty in affected communities. The study recommended law enforcement on the existing land use and spatial planning Act 2016 and sensitization on Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar, and consequences of the problem on food security in Ghana.
关键词：land grabbing; food security; real estate development; human right impact; livelihood; environment; policy gaps
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