Livelihood security in urban slums in Ghana: evidence from the Kumasi Metropolis

The study was conducted to analyse and estimate household livelihood security in urban slums in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Two urban slums in the metropolis were selected. Primary data were collected from 152 respondents in the slum communities. Household livelihood security was measured using six security indices. These are economic, educational, food, health, and empowerment security. The study used questionnaires and interviews to gather data. The findings indicate that livelihood insecurity exists at different levels and domains in the study communities. The general household livelihood security index (HLS) of 0.415 indicates that slum communities are insecure. The only domain with HLS index higher than average is education security with an index of 0.523. In terms of health security, the index is 0.433 while the economic security index is 0.313. The empowerment security had the lowest HLS index of 0.268. It is concluded that even though insecurity among slums may seem similar, significant differences exist. It is recommended that for a successful and tangible improvement in the livelihoods of slum dwellers, policy interventions should consider the specific differences that exist among slums and household livelihood, livelihood diversification and geographical location. This will enhance the speedy alleviation of poverty and the creation of wealth by households in slums communities and reduce livelihood insecurities.