Changing Agricultural Practices and Indigenous Food Crops in the Upper Afram Basin of Ghana

F Baa-Poku,B D Ofori,J S Ayivor

doi:10.4314/gjas.v55i1.7

Abstract

The Forest Savanna Transition zone within which the Upper Afram basin lies, account for a wide variety of food crops and plant species. This study examined the effects of changing agricultural practices on cultivation and availability of indigenous food crops within the basin. Qualitative data obtained from 240 farmers through individual interviews and Focus group discussions were analyzed thematically. The study revealed that even though the farmers employed the traditional mixed cropping system, the widespread use of agro-chemicals in the study area was limiting the practice of intercropping. This accounts for the current dominance of mono cropping system in the study area. These changes have affected the cultivation of a wide variety of indigenous foods within the basin. The uncontrolled use of agro-chemicals constituted one of the major agronomic constraints affecting the cultivation of these crops. Adequate technical support services to effectively control agrochemical abuse among the local farmers will, therefore, be required. Increased sensitization on the need for local farmers to refocus and maintain some of the traditional agricultural practices that ensured the cultivation of a wide variety of indigenous food crop varieties (NUCS) in their farms is also suggested.

Highlights

Human dependence on agriculture for survival can be traced back to prehistoric times
Farming systems Indigenous farming systems Interviews with farmers on the indigenous farming systems employed in the communities studied indicated that farming within the Upper Afram basin occurred on a subsistence level
The study findings showed that traditional agroforestry and the traditional mixed cropping system employed by the farmers over the years ensured the availability of a wide range of indigenous food crops for households

Summary

Introduction

Human dependence on agriculture for survival can be traced back to prehistoric times. Hunting, fishing and food gathering constituted the main source of livelihood. This approach to human sustenance evolved with the cultivation of wild plants and domestication of wild animals (Chandrasekaran et al, 2010). Traditional farmers subsequently have focused on the cultivation of a wide range of indigenous crops and livestock breeds to meet the food and livelihood needs of households The application of indigenous knowledge in the cultivation of traditional food crops ensured the sustenance of local culture, livelihoods and community resilience (Shava et al, 2009). Chivenge et al (2015) further note that the cultivation of indigenous crops and plant species enhances genetic biodiversity and food security.

Methods

Results

Conclusion