Natural capital as a threat and resource: the survival of women in Bolni village in Northern Ghana

This study highlights the role of natural capital both as a resource and a threat to the survival of the women in Bolni village in the Northern part of Ghana. Amidst several challenges and being classified as one of the poorest villages in modern materialistic terms, the study reveals this village's strength in natural capital which plays a vital role in the survival of the women. Assets such as lands and wild plants were used by the women for crop production, for medicinal purposes and other income generating activities to survive. Whilst natural capital serves as a vital resource in Bolni, there are many challenges that makes it a threat as well. The study indicates factors such as climate change, droughts and constant fire outbreaks that negatively affect crop production and destroy properties and consequently threaten the survival of the women. This notwithstanding the women are able to exhibit great resilience to survive. Adopting the qualitative research method, ten women were interviewed for this study.