Who Manages Better? Gendered Perspectives on Food Security and Subjective Wellbeing in Ghana

Abstract

In Africa, the pursuit of food security and subjective wellbeing among farming households is not only shaped by access to resources, but by deeply embedded gender dynamics that necessitate greater policy and research attention. Yet, evidence on gender disparities in household wellbeing remains limited, creating a critical gap in understanding how gender shapes outcomes across agricultural systems. This study addresses this gap by examining gender-based differences in food security and subjective wellbeing in Ghana. Using data from a 2023 multistage random sample of 458 households, we apply ordinary least squares, Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition, and heterogeneous recentered influence function regressions to identify and explain disparities. Our results show that male-headed households are more food secure, with greater dietary diversity and lower food insecurity, while female-headed households report higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness. We also find significant variation across agroecological zones and differences in resource endowments including asset value, farm size, credit access, membership in farmer-based organizations, and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Furthermore, structural factors account for substantial share of the observed gender gaps in food security and wellbeing. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and promote more equitable agricultural and welfare outcomes in Ghana and similar settings.