Socio-economic Features

The climate is generally suitable for the production of single wet season crops. The soils have poor water holding capacity which poses a considerable constraint to agricultural productivity. This single cropping season which depends on rainfall occurs from May to October with considerable under-employment of labour. This period is followed by a long dry season resulting in seasonal migration of the productive labour force to southern Ghana in search of greener pastures.

Poverty is very high among the diocesan populance especially the rural areas. The Upper East Region which forms most part of the Diocese is currently assessed the second poorest region of the Country. It is estimated that 80% of the population of the Region is below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 66% (Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy II, 2005). The main economic activity of the population is agriculture with 85% being peasant farmers. A small percentage of population is involved in the handicraft industry. The proportion of females in sales work (13.3%) is twice that of males (5.8%). The proportion of males in agriculture is 71.8% compared to 61.2% females (Ghana living standards survey report, 2008).

More than 88% of the diocese’s 1.5 million people are rural dwellers depending mainly on rain fed agriculture for food and income. Income levels of the population are generally low due to the poor soils to support crop growth, erratic rainfall and other adverse agriculture practices.

Ninety percent (90%) of the housing units are made of bricks with high cost of repairs and maintenance.

Style buildings are changing as a result of improved technology. All the district capitals are connected to National Grid and Telecommunication networks.