Typologies may be used as tools for dealing with farming system heterogeneity. This is achieved by
classifying farms into groups that have common characteristics, i.e. farm types, which can support the
implementation of a more tailored approach to agricultural development. This article explored patterns
of farming system diversity through the classification of 70 smallholder farm households in two districts
(Savelugu-Nanton and Tolon-Kumbungu) of Ghana’s Northern Region. Based on 2013 survey data, the
typology was constructed using the multivariate statistical techniques of principal component analysis
and cluster analysis. Results proposed six farm types, stratified on the basis of household, labour,
land use, livestock and income variables, explaining the structural and functional differences between
farming systems. Types 1 and 2 were characterized by relatively high levels of resource endowment
and oriented towards non-farm activities and crop sales respectively. Types 3 and 4 were moderately
resource-endowed with income derived primarily from on-farm activities. Types 5 and 6 were resource
constrained, with production oriented towards subsistence. The most salient differences among farm
types concerned herd size (largest for Type 1), degree of legume integration (largest for Types 2–4),
household size and hired labour (smallest household size for Types 4 and 6, and largest proportion of
hired labour for Type 4), degree of diversification into off/non-farm activities (highest for Type 1 and
lowest for Type 5) and severity of resource constraints (Type 6 was most constrained with a small farm
area and herd comprised mainly of poultry). It was found that livelihood strategies reflected the distinctive
characteristics of farm households; with poorly-endowed types restricted to a ‘survival strategy’ and
more affluent types free to pursue a ‘development strategy’. This study clearly demonstrates that using
the established typology as a practical framework allows identification of type-specific farm household
opportunities and constraints for the targeting of agricultural interventions and innovations, which will
be further analysed in the research-for-development project. We conclude that a more flexible approach
to typology construction, for example through the incorporation of farmer perspectives, might provide
further context and insight into the causes, consequences and negotiation of farm diversity