Abstract
AbstractOne of the main constraints to groundnut production has been the use of low yielding varieties, susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) have been used by agricultural research organizations to help make their research more relevant and to facilitate the adaptation and dissemination of findings. In the implementation of TLIII project in Ghana, eight MSPs were set up with the objective to improve groundnut productivity among actors through improved access to varieties and related technologies. Through trainings, demonstrations and field days, the platform members totalling 347 (55% being female) were exposed to two existing improved groundnut varieties and several candidate varieties which were yet to be released. The actors have become important sources of high-quality groundnut seed in their communities and beyond with the production of 5 tons of seed of the new varieties. The seed farms where improved varieties were planted and managed using good agronomic practices (GAPS) yielded up to 1.6 tons/ha, 70% higher than the use of their old varieties and practices on their personal farms which gave less than 0.5 tons/ha. This form of experiential learning was observed to be very useful in the willingness of platform members to uptake technology. As unintended benefits, through the use of funds raised by the associations, the sanitation and health of some members and their households were improved, and many engaged in non-farm businesses. Going forward, good conflict resolution skills and access to funds for supporting platform activities and members’ individual interests would be very important in the sustainability of these platforms.
Highlights
In Ghana, as in the rest of West Africa, groundnut is termed as a woman’s crop due to the major role women play in its production, marketing and processing
The Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) concept was to be used to facilitate the dissemination of quality seed of improved groundnut varieties through community seed production as a start, quality declared seed production entities and grow them into full-fledged seed cooperatives
The IP enabled farmers to get such input on credit from the input dealers Provide technical backstopping on production related issues These groups facilitate the whole process (Research, the department of agriculture, the Department of Cooperatives and a representative of District Coordinating Council) varieties introduced by the project. This has been achieved through the involvement of group members in field trials and demonstrations by the project. Another remarkable development has been the introduction of Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLAs) concept into some of the MSPs, which is a self-help initiative aimed at mobilizing funds through group savings to enhance the financial fortunes of actors
Summary
Ghana is mainly an agrarian country with over 50% of the population employed in the agricultural sector. Increased investment in new crop varieties has been recognized by many workers as one of the most important tools for increasing groundnut production (Angelucci and Bazzucchi 2013) This has resulted in the development of many varieties including Nkatiesari, Kpanieli, Oboshie, Yenyawoso and Obolo and in 2018, Sarinut 1 and Sarinut 2. Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) are used by agricultural research organizations to help make their research more relevant and to facilitate the adaptation and dissemination of findings (Homann-Kee Tui et al 2013) They have been used in various initiatives and were recognized under Tropical Legumes III (TLIII) project as a tool that could be used to accelerate variety dissemination and access to improved seed among others. The MSP concept was to be used to facilitate the dissemination of quality seed of improved groundnut varieties through community seed production as a start, quality declared seed production entities and grow them into full-fledged seed cooperatives
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