Ministry Of Food And Agriculture Research Articles

Characterization of urban agriculture and farmers’ climate change adaptation: the case of Urban Wa, Ghana

Urban agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to significantly improve urban food security and feed the underprivileged when promoted. In Ghana, urban agriculture has several characteristics that distinguish it from traditional farming practices. However, climate change poses a significant threat to urban agriculture, as changing weather patterns can lead to droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that damage crops and animals. This study explored the characteristics of urban food crops and livestock production in the Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods of data collection and analysis were employed. A sample of 362 urban households was administered survey questionnaires supplemented with 12 key informant interviews. Descriptive and content analysis were carried out, with the results presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The study found that amidst climatic stressors, urban agriculture is characterized by the production of animals such as chickens, sheep, and goats and crops like maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin. Land is acquired through purchasing, though other farmers obtain land from relatives and friends. There is a very strong relationship between residential class and the type of urban farming (Cramer’s V = 0.291 > 0.25) and a moderate relationship between residential class and land acquisition type (Cramer’s V = 0.108 > 0.10). The study concludes that urban farming is characterized by mixed farming coupled with crop diversification, which has implications for climate change adaptation measures. To adapt urban agriculture to climatic stressors, the study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should streamline agricultural policy interventions in urban agriculture to promote agriculture intensification.

Greenhouse tomato farmers' knowledge, perceptions, and management of tomato bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) disease

A major constraint to tomato cultivation is bacterial wilt disease. The use of greenhouses to cultivate tomato is vital to controlling the bacterial wilt disease. Bacterial wilt can be successfully managed when farmers are well-informed with better knowledge of bacterial wilt in tomatoes. This study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and experiences on the cultivation practices, prevalence, detection, spread, and control of bacterial wilt disease in tomato in greenhouses in the Volta, Eastern, Central, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered for fifty (50) greenhouse farmers, purposefully selected using a database of greenhouse tomato producers in southern Ghana provided by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). Frequency data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The majority (86%) of respondents had formal education. Most of the greenhouses in operation were in the Greater Accra Region, and none was under cultivation in the Volta region at the time of the study. Most respondents have been involved in greenhouse tomato cultivation for barely three years. The frequency of greenhouse tomatoes production varied from one region to the other. Only 28% of greenhouse farmers knew the test to detect the disease with 64% of greenhouse farmers without any knowledge about how the disease spreads. 62% of respondents used roughing and burying of the infected plants to control the disease. Out of the 54 greenhouses (domes) surveyed, 12 were infected with the bacterial wilt disease. Greenhouse farmers had little knowledge on the spread, detection, and control of the bacterial wilt disease of tomato. The findings of this study would lead to the design of targeted training programs on cultivation practices, detection, spread and management of bacterial wilt of tomato to increase yield and boost income levels of greenhouse tomato farmers in Ghana. Key words: bacterial wilt, tomatoes, spread, detection, control, greenhouse, farmers, constraints

Fertilizer use efficiency and economic viability in maize production in the Savannah and transitional zones of Ghana

Increasing fertilizer use is highly justified for sustainable agricultural intensification if yield response, fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), and economic viability of fertilizer application are high. Despite the increasing fertilizer application rates in Ghana, yields only marginally increased. Also, the recent fertilizer price hikes post COVID-19 revived concern for economic analysis of fertilizers. This study analyzed the FUE and economic viability of fertilizer use in maize production in Guinea/Sudan Savannah and Transitional/Deciduous zones of Ghana. Survey data from 2,673 farmers in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 production seasons were used. The average agronomic efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP), and value-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use were 2.2 kg of grains per kilogram of fertilizer, 18.3 kg grains per kilogram of fertilizer, and 1.8 Ghana cedis of marginal yield per Ghana cedi spent on fertilizer, respectively. Fertilizer use was economically viable for only 28.1% of farmers with a VCR of 2 or higher, while 52.5% reached the break-even point with a VCR of at least 1. Various fertilizer formulations, including NPK plus sulfur, and adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices, particularly improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and minimum tillage, improved maize yield response to fertilizer and thus the FUE. These low efficiency and economic viability of fertilizer use are prevailing conditions in other sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries and these do not guarantee sustainable food security and improved livelihood of the farmers in the region. Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), together with relevant stakeholders, should provide guidance on ISFM and intensify farmer education through farmer associations to increase the adoption of ISFM. The local government should work with other relevant stakeholders to improve the market conditions within the agriculture sector, for instance, by linking farmers to city markets for favorable output prices.

Sustainable cereal production: A spatial analytical approach using the Ghana living standards survey

Ghana as one of the countries south of the Sahara, depends solely on cereals as a major staple food. Ironically, Ghana's economy depends on large importation from the global north, particularly Asia, due to systemic production deficits. The probability of farming households producing enough cereals and the constraints to meeting domestic supply remains imperative. Therefore, the current research focussed on the Ghana Living Standard Survey seventh round (GLSS7) involving 15,045 cereal farmers nationwide. By estimating the probability of farming households producing cereals and the factors that constrain cereal production. Using random-effects regression models, the empirics show that farming households are expected to produce 5.87 tonnes of cereals annually. Specifically, farming households headed by males are expected to produce 6.01 tonnes of cereal crops in a year, 0.14 tonnes more than female-headed households. Non-poor households are expected to produce 6.82 tonnes of cereals in a year compared with an expected production of 6.29 tonnes by poor households. Cereal production is constrained by wealth status, gender, and age of household heads. Our findings attempt to inform and shape policy towards sustained cereal production in Ghana, and by implication countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in Ghana, should bring on board a structural policy that will address constraints related to gender, wealth, and age of household heads to enhance sustainable cereal production.

Impact of rainfall onset date on crops yield in Ghana

Rainfall onset date (ROD) influences farmer planting decisions, yet there is a dearth of information on the extent to which ROD influences crop yield. This study assesses the effect of ROD on the yield of four crops (Maize, millet, rice, and sorghum) in Ghana. It uses crop yields from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and employs the Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) crop model to simulate maize yields from 1985 to 2004. The crop model simulations were forced with weather data from the gridded Global Meteorological Forcing Dataset (GMFD). The relationship between crop yields and RODs from three datasets (observed, satellite, and GMFD) are studied. The results of the study show a good correlation between MoFA and FAO crop yield data (with correlation coefficient (r) of 0.97, 0.92, 0.77, and 0.99 for maize, millet, rice, and sorghum, respectively). RODs from satellite observation feature a high correlation with RODs from station observation (r = 0.72), but RODs from GMFD feature weak correlations (r < 0.3) with both observation datasets. The study finds a negative correlation between observed RODs and crop yields (i.e. an early onset corresponds to high yields) but a positive correlation between GMFD RODs and crop yields (i.e. an early onset correspondence to low yields). The DSSAT model reproduces the observed yield pattern, but with substantial biases. The findings of this study can be used to advise small-holder farmers on planting dates and crop variety selection.

The determinants of non-traditional agricultural exports’ growth in Ghana

The Nontraditional Agricultural Exports (NTAE) sub-sector is a key contributor to agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) in several developing countries. It has the potential to create jobs and contribute to enhancing food and nutrition security, hence an important pillar to the economies of several countries including Ghana. This study, therefore, examines the factors driving the growth of nontraditional agricultural exports in Ghana using an Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model. The study was based on secondary data from the World Development Indicators (WDI) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The study identified real GDP to be a significant determinant of NTAE’s growth in both contemporaneous and lag forms. Other variables including inflation, gross capital formation and foreign direct investment influence NTAE’s growth through their lag values. Exchange rate, inflation and RGDP significantly determine the growth of NTAEs in the long-run. The study further identified a co-integrating relationship between NTAE and other explanatory variables. The Error Correction Model showed an adjustment speed of 0.41, indicating that 41% adjustment will occur within the first year and it will take 2.4 years for the system to return to equilibrium in the long-run. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) adopts promotional strategies including providing incentive packages to farmers, exhibitions and trade fairs to curtail the declining trend in the growth of the NTAE’s sector. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should educate farmers on the use of acceptable agronomical practices in the production field. Lastly, Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) and MoFA should collaborate to identify strategic areas for domestic support and foreign direct investment in the NTAE’s sub-sector to ensure it grows and contributes towards socio-economic development in Ghana.

Dynamics of the poultry market in Ghana

This paper examines the dynamics of the poultry market in Ghana using secondary data and a field study in four regions including Greater Accra region, Western region, Ashanti region, and Northern region. Secondary data on prices, per capita consumption, import, and export quantities was obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). Primary data on shopping malls, supermarkets, cold stores, and open markets as well as on imported and local chicken meat prices and brands was also obtained using surveys and focus group discussions. The study employs trend and content analyses to highlight specific imported products, their origins, drivers, and the potential of domestic poultry as a substitute for imported chicken meat. The paper confirms that Ghana imports about 80% of its poultry meat, mostly in the form of branded cut parts (thighs, wings, legs, back, and offal) from high-income countries including Belgium, the US, Brazil, Poland, and the Netherlands. Despite a 35% increase in tariffs, imported poultry meat tends to be 27-30% cheaper than locally produced chicken. The findings further show that although there is some preference for domestic poultry meat, this does not translate into purchase decisions, as people prefer more convenient and ready-to-use products. The paper recommends the prioritization of policies to boost local production through investments in processing (cut parts), branded packaging, and marketing facilities such as cold vans. Furthermore, policies to reduce chicken meat import volumes may be focused on other non-tariff measures such as licenses, allotments, trade embargoes, foreign exchange restrictions, and import depositories.

English

As Ghana prepares to commence commercialization of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, this paper reports findings of a survey that sought the views of smallholder farmers in northern Ghana on the likely prospects and constraints of GM crops cultivation. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to sample 360 smallholder farmers across ten districts in northern Ghana with interviews, guided by semi-structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions used to gather data for the study. Descriptive statistics and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were applied to analyze the data gathered. The prospects of GM technology according to the smallholder farmers surveyed were that GM technology can be used to breed drought-tolerant, early maturing, and high yielding local crop varieties and also help reduce the cost of weed, pest, and disease control. While their perceived constraints to the cultivation of GM crops were the probably high cost of GM seed, unreliable supply of GM seed, likely failure of regulatory agencies, and possible environmental and health risks among others. It is recommended to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and other relevant organizations to address farmers’ concerns and reservations over the possible high cost of GM seeds and the fear that GM seed supply might not be reliable. Key words: Prospects, constraints, GM crops, agricultural biotechnology, smallholder farmers, northern region of Ghana, biosafety.

Assessing the effects of training on rice farmers’ yield. The case of JICA training on sustainable rain-fed lowland rice production technology in the Northern, Savanna and North-east Regions in Ghana

The consumption of rice has increased at an increasing rate globally with greater number of consumers deriving high calories through rice, hence the need for training of rice farmers to help increase its production to meet such high demand. This notion informed Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to collaborate with Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Government of Ghana (GoG) to train rice farmers in Ghana specifically in the Northern, Savana and North-east Regions. The ‘rain-fed lowland rice production technology training’, which was intended to increase rice production and profitability of rice farmers in the selected regions was carried out successfully within the project time frame. This study sought to evaluate the success of the training along two key objectives - ascertaining the extent to which the training has contributed to increase in rice yield (per hectare) of farmers in the selected areas and assessing the correlation between the components (land development and rice cultivation) of the training project on rice yield in the selected areas. The findings revealed the there was increase in rice farmers yield per hectare after the training and there was also a positive correlation between land development as a component of the training and rice cultivation in the selected area. The research recommend that MoFA should endeavour to replicate the JICA training on rain-fed lowland rice production technology across all rice production areas in Ghana.

Exploring the Impact of Floods on Rural Communities on Emerging Food Security Challenges in Ghana

The article analyzed the impact of floods on rural communities onemerging food security challenges in Ghana using the Bawku West District of theUpper East Region of Ghana as a case study. Flooding has become the mostdestructive natural hazard which affectsrural livelihoods, especially subsistent farmers. The data for the study wereobtained through the use of the mixed method. 150 households were sampled forthe study. This was done using simple random sampling. The primary data wereobtained using questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussionswhile the secondary data were acquired from the National Disaster ManagementOrganization (NADMO) and Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). Thedata were analyzed using binary regression and content analysis. Photographswere used to support the findings. From the finding, it was realized that ruralcommunities' livelihood activities were vulnerable to flooding and over theyears several households have lost their source of livelihood to the floods.This has resulted in food insecurity. The result of impact of the flood onlivelihood activities has resulted in coping strategies being adopted by therespondents in the area to reduce the impact of the flood on their livelihoods.

Prospects, determinants and challenges of implementing food banking: evidence from Ashanti Region of Ghana

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the prospects and constraints of implementing food banking in the in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachMultistage sampling technique was used to select 385 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to present prospects of food banking. The probit regression model was used to analyse factors influencing food banking implementation whereas Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used to analyse constraints in implementing food banking.FindingsAddressing food poverty, helping to provide food aid to respondents in times of pandemics (such as Covid 19) and also helping in reducing food wastage were the most notable prospects of food banking. Age, household size, food bank awareness and food poverty had a significant positive influence on food banking implementation, whereas residential status and employment status had a significant negative influence on food banking implementation. The most pressing constraint in implementing food banking is funding and support with the mean rank of 3.03 whiles the least pressing constraint is improper documentation of potential beneficiaries with the mean rank of 6.72.Social implicationsThis study provides empirical contributions and practical implications for implementing food banks in Ghana. Thus, the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) can enact policies that can help prevent food losses and wastage. In this vain, food which could have been wasted would be redirected to food banks. This can serve as a tool for social intervention, poverty alleviation and prevention of hunger among the vulnerable in Ghana.Originality/valueDespite several studies on food banking in affluent countries, food banking research in developing countries such as Ghana remains scanty. Thus, this paper makes significant contributions to the literature on prospects and constraints in implementing food banking and the factors influencing food banking implementation.

Perception and willingness to contribute towards food banking in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the perception and willingness to contribute towards food banking in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.Design/methodology/approachStructured questionnaire was used to elicit primary data for the study from 385 respondents via the multistage sampling approach. The quantile regression model was used to analyse the factors that influence the willingness to contribute towards food banks across quantiles of contribution. Factor analysis was further used to examine the perception of food banking.FindingsGender, education and awareness influence the quantiles of contribution. Gender positively influences contribution at the 0.50 quantile. Education negatively affects contribution at the 0.25 and 0.50 quantiles whereas awareness influences contribution at the 0.75 quantiles. The benefit perception of the user and the social status perception of receiving food from food banks convey a sense of positive knowledge concerning what food banking should entail.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides insights on the determinants affecting the contribution towards food banking across quantiles of contribution. However, it worth noting that, the study uses cross-sectional data which fail to account for the changes over time. A Longitudinal study would therefore be imperative concerning the implementation of food banking.Practical implicationsThe perceived positive knowledge of food banking is suggestive that, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) should strengthen measures directed towards the implementation of food banking. Moving forward, non-governmental organisations on the verge of conducting a pilot implementation of food banks should give critical focus to the given area of study as the inhabitants are most likely to be attuned to such a course. Finally, to champion contribution amongst the inhabitants, leaders of food banking initiatives and other stakeholders should work in conjunction with residents that are aware of food banks at the high-income class. This procedure would aid in reducing the chances of low contributions to the implementation of food banking.Social implicationsThis paper provides empirical implications for the development of food banks in Ghana. The findings emanating from this study has substantial social implications, because it serves as an instrumental guide to the implementation of food banks by the MOFA, and when implemented would assuage the poor living conditions of individuals that do not meet a three-square meal per day.Originality/valueIn this research, the authors add to the body of knowledge by employing a quantitative approach. Moreover, the authors extend the frontiers of the methodological approach by using the quantile regression model to understand the factors that influence the contribution towards food banking across quantiles of contribution. Furthermore, several studies in the developed world have been geographically limited to UK, USA, Canada and Germany with few studies in Ghana. Besides, there is limited rigorous empirical study of the perception and willingness to contribute towards food banking in Ghana.

Technical and Scale Efficiency Analysis of Cash Crops Production in Pakistan: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

The study has analyzed the technical efficiency of major cash crops' yield in Pakistanfrom 1948 till 2018. Cotton and sugarcane are the crops selected for analysis with an area ofthousand hectares. For carrying out the analysis, data is taken from the Ministry of Food andAgriculture (MINFA), Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and economic surveys of Pakistan of differentyears. The technique employed in the study is the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) technique. The result obtained after technical efficiency analysis reveal the suboptimal cashcrop yield in Pakistan throughout the analysis. The average technical efficiency of cotton andsugarcane crops from 1948 to 2018 are approximately 0.80 and 0.84 respectively. Furthermore,the result of scale efficiency analysis showed the monotonous performance of cash crops'production. The consistent variation in cotton and sugar cane crops' yield over the years reportedby the efficiency analysis, accounts for Constant Return to Scale (CRS) and Variable Return toScale (VRS) models, resulted in varying Return to Scale (RTS). The plausible reasons can beattributed to the Increasing Returns to Scale (IRS) or Decreasing Returns to Scale (DRS) in thecase of cotton and sugarcane production. An interesting finding is unveiled that out of 70 years,cotton and sugarcane crops achieved the optimal scale efficiencies for only one year. The bestpossible level of output of cotton and sugarcane crops in the future can be achieved by allocatinga lesser area under the cultivation of these crops in Pakistan. It is also imperative that farmers adoptand implement modern farm technologies. Increasing the area under crop production is not asolution, especially in the wake of alarming population growth and urbanization in Pakistan. Theformulation of policies encouraging farmers requires modern farm inputs to realize the optimalyield of cash crops in Pakistan. The government should educate the farmers regarding advancedfarming and efficient farm management techniques to help to augment the farm output withoutexpansion of the area for these crops

Incidence of fungi and aflatoxin contamination of maize in Tolon-Kumbungu district of Ghana

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important staple food crop and a source of income to farmers, as well as foreign exchange earner in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Its production is hampered by fungal diseases, which also cause contamination with mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin and its associated health hazards. This study sought to isolate and identify aflatoxigenic fungi, as well as detect the presence of Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) in maize samples obtained from farmers in the Tolon-Kumbungu district in the northern region of Ghana. Twenty farming communities were randomly selected for the study in consultation with the district office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). Samples were collected from 200 randomly selected maize farmers by the composite sampling technique, for isolation of aflatoxigenic fungi by the agar plate method and the detection of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin was detected in maize samples with the Black light, rapid screening and immunoassay methods. Aspergillus flavus had the highest percentage of occurrence (63.7%); followed by A. niger (16.5%), Rhizopus stolonifer (9.3%), Penicillium spp. (6.9%) and Fusarium oxysporum (3.7%). Farm samples had more aflatoxin than those from stores and markets. Samples of maize from farms in Gbirimani community had the highest aflatoxin contamination of +60 ppb. Concentrations of Afb1 at or above +20 ppb were recorded in all the communities, except in Tinguli. Apart from Voggu, all market samples were free from aflatoxin contamination.
 Key words: Aflatoxigenic fungi, postharvest, Zea mays

Factors influencing improved Maize Farming Technologies adoption in Yendi Municipality of Northern Region of Ghana

Low technology adoption continues to affect the production of maize in Ghana, including the Yendi municipality, which is one of the high maize producing areas. The study examined the factors influencing the adoption of improved maize farming technologies in the Yendi municipality. Data was collected from 154 randomly selected maize farmers using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics and Poisson Regression Model were used to analyze the demographic characteristics of maize farmers as well as the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of improved maize farming technologies. The study revealed that 59% of the maize farmers had no contact with agricultural extension agents, which could negatively affect adoption of improved maize farming technologies. The Poisson regression analysis showed that education, farm size, credit and extension contact significantly influenced the adoption of improved maize farming technologies in the area. Maize farmers therefore need to be adequately trained on the technologies to understand their full benefits to enable them adopt them fully. The study recommends that Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) together with Development Partners (DPs) should facilitate farmers’ access to credit and provide more logistics to facilitate access to extension services.

The Cost of Recommended Diets: Development and Application a Food Price Index Based on Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (P10-033-19)

ObjectivesFood price data is routinely collected by governments but has not been utilized to its full potential for tracking the cost of nutritious diets. Food prices typically are used to monitor the cost of a basket of goods purchased by consumers, which may bear little relation to recommended diets. National food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) attempt to provide specific, actionable recommendations for diets that meet nutritional needs and protect long-term health, based on expert evidence review and in-country dialogue. The objective of this research is to show how governments can use their food price data to track the cost of meeting FBDG. MethodsThe Cost of Recommended Diets (CoRD) is an estimate of the minimum cost of meeting FBDG. It requires data on food prices and quantitative FBDG. Food price data can be sourced from national statistical organizations that track inflation using a Consumer Price Index (CPI); from ministries of food/agriculture/trade; and from national household budget surveys. CoRD is calculated by identifying the least-cost 2–3 foods (by edible portion) in each food category contained in FBDG (e.g., starchy staples, protein foods, dairy, fruits, vegetables, oils), and summing the mean cost of obtaining the average gram amounts of each group. We demonstrate the results of CoRD using data from Ghana. A stakeholder dialogue was conducted with official food price data collectors in Ghana in 2016–2018 on the applicability of CoRD within existing monitoring systems. ResultsUsing data from the Ghana Statistical Service and the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), we find that meeting FBDG for vegetables and fruits is relatively expensive compared to starchy staples and the cheapest forms of protein foods, and that consumers typically underspend on fruits and vegetables compared to the expenditure shares required to obtain recommended amounts. MoFA has made changes in their food price monitoring system to enable tracking of CoRD. ConclusionsThe CoRD indicator is a policy-coherent metric of food prices that measures the cost of meeting FBDG. It rests on existing data and can be incorporated into national food price monitoring systems. Funding SourcesFunding for this work is provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and DFID, partially through an IMMANA (Innovative Metrics and Methods for Agriculture and Nutrition Actions) grant.

Production of Clay Containers for Curbing Plantain Post-Harvest Losses in Ghana

In Ghana, most farmers are peasants and at times foodstuffs produced get rotten either through transportation or market places. This normally affects the meager income that farmers earn through hard work. Available statistics indicate that each year, food crops worth several hundreds of dollars go waste in the country due to poor harvest losses and it represents 70% of total food production in Ghana. Again, in the country, there is abundant of clay as a natural resource. Geological study has revealed that it is found in almost every part of the country. As a means of finding solution to the rate at which local foodstuffs especially plantain rot, the study sought to design and compose clay container purposefully for storing plantain to prolong its lifespan. The study focused on 5 clay body compositions (C1 to C5) and fired at 950°C. Composition C1 consisted of 50% of Abonko clay and 50% of Daboase clay. Composition C2 was made up of 40% Abonko clay, 50% Daboase clay and 10% of smooth sawdust. Composition C3 composed of 45% of Abonko clay, 45% of Daboase clay and 10% of smooth sawdust. Composition C4 was made up of 90% Daboase clay and 10% rough sawdust. The last composition C5 comprised mainly 100% Abonko clay. Fresh plantains obtained from Takoradi market circle were stored in the containers and weekly recordings of states of plantain for five consecutive weeks were carried out. It was revealed that C4 was successful in storing fresh plantains to ripe stage after the five weeks. It is recommended among others that, the technique should be made available to stakeholders such as Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), plantain farmers and market plantain sellers through seminars, public education and symposia in order to minimize post-harvest losses.

Achieving sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger: Does technical efficiency of Ghana\u2019s maize farmers matter?

BackgroundWhether or not maize farmers are technically efficient determines their choice of productivity improvement strategy and very important for achieving the sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger. This study examined technical efficiency and its determinants of Ghana’s maize farmers. Analysis of the determinants is crucial to devising strategies aimed at improving technical efficiencies of the farmers as well as ensuring no poverty and zero hunger.MethodsThe study used cross-sectional data collected from 576 maize farmers in the four main agro-ecological zones of Ghana with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were the methods of analysis used.ResultsThe results showed that the mean technical efficiency estimate for maize farmers in Ghana was 58.1%. They also revealed that an increase in educational level, maize farming experience, extension contact as well as uses of fertilizer and improved seeds would increase the technical efficiency of maize producers in Ghana. Similarly, male Ghanaian maize farmers were more technically efficient than female farmers. Furthermore, membership of a farmer association will increase their technical efficiencies. Finally, an increase in farm size and land fragmentation will decrease technical efficiency of the maize farmers.ConclusionEfficiency improvement programmes by stakeholders in the maize industry could target literate maize farmers since education enhances the managerial and technical skills of farmers and also increase farmers’ ability to utilize existing technologies. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) could also liaise with Ministry of Education to provide maize farmers with no formal education with special training prior to introducing new efficiency enhancing programmes to them. MOFA should analyse the problems extension officers face in the discharge of their duties to pave the way for the provision of appropriate incentives to extension officers by stakeholders in the maize industry.

Innovation development and transfer by agricultural development agencies: a case study of cowpea IPM in northern Ghana

This paper draws on data collected during 12 months of fieldwork in Northern Ghana. The fieldwork researched two communities in two districts of Northern Ghana and three Agricultural Development Agencies (ADA); Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and World Vision Ghana (WVG). Data collection was achieved through formal surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and observations. A total of 120 individual interviews were conducted for the formal survey guided by the questionnaire. Thirty individual questionnaire- 10 each- were administered to the three ADA–SARI, WVG, and MOFA. Again documentation of activities from the three ADA was gathered. While 275 community members made up of both male and female farmers, elders and traders were involved in five FGD Workshops. This paper focuses on ADAs and innovation development, diffusion and adoption in agriculture and the impact thereof on men and women in increasing agricultural productivity. It further focuses on how agricultural policies influence the processes of innovation development, diffusion and transfer. Results indicate that targeting and getting farmers involved at an early stage in innovation development and transfer is important for any agricultural development programmes and for adoption. Indications were that imbalances in the delivery of extension services had negative impacts on making available appropriate innovations, especially to women farmers. Thus monitoring and evaluation aid the direction of agricultural policies and improve on innovation development and transfer techniques. Again, successful innovation development, transfer and high rates of adoption are the result of good collaborative work; a product of good research planning, monitoring and evaluation and information sharing. Keywords: change agent, extension, agricultural productivity, agricultural policies

Factors affecting Adoption of Maize Production Technologies: A study in Ghana

Purpose: The huge gap between actual and achievable yields in Ghana’s maize production threatens Ghana’s household food security. Poor adoption of improved maize production technologies is often cited as the major cause of the low yields. This study examined the factors influencing adoption of improved production technologies by maize farmers in order to highlight the constraints and opportunities for improving adoption.Research Method: The data used were obtained through a cross-sectional survey of 576 maize farmers in Ghana using the structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the multinomial logit model were the methods of analysis employed.Findings: The results showed that adoption of production technologies is influenced by age, educational level, initial capital outlay, agricultural extension contact, group membership, availability of ready maize market, access to credit, experience in maize farming, land fragmentation and previous year’s price of maize. For adoption of maize production technologies to be improved, technology dissemination programmes should target to literate farmers and farmers should be encouraged to join farmer groups, stakeholders should support maize farmers with credit, maize farmers should be provided with ready market and younger farmers should be encouraged to consider maize production as a business.Research Limitations: The study focused on whether or not in general, maize farmers used production technologies. It presents limited information on specific technologies in different agro-ecological zones.Originality/Value: This study provides insights into why especially some Ghanaian maize farmers adopt or do not adopt certain technological packages promoted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) of Ghana.