Biomass-based value chain analysis of plantain in two regions in Ghana

Abstract

Plantain biomass value chain analysis was conducted to generate benchmark information that supports reduction of post-harvest losses of plantain and to identify value-added opportunities and linkages to new markets in Ghana. Specifically, this study sought to identify the actors and their roles along the plantain value chain, understand the plantain value chain activities and identify biomass value addition opportunities that will help reduce post-harvest losses of plantain. Using the value chain analysis approach a total of 309 plantain value chain actors including producers, processors, traders, caterers and consumers in the Brong Ahafo and Western regions of Ghana were interviewed. Post-harvest losses of 20% at the production, 15% at the market levels and less than 5% at the consumption level were revealed. Plantains were traded mostly in the unprocessed form and 83% farmer respondents sold plantain unprocessed. The cross-cutting constraints among the actors were inadequate credit accessibility, high transportation cost, limited processing capacities, seasonality of plantains and fluctuation in prices, marketing challenges and post-harvest losses among others. The study provides useful baseline information for new products development from the biomass along the plantain value chain.