Production In Ghana Research Articles

Towards a sustainable food production: modelling the impacts of climate change on maize and soybean production in Ghana.

The Ghanaian economy relies heavily on maize and soybean production. The entire maize and soybean production system is low-tech, making it extremely susceptible to environmental factors. As a result, climate change and variability have an influence on agricultural production, such as maize and soybean yields. Therefore, the study’s ultimate purpose was to analyze the influence of CO2 emissions, precipitation, domestic credit, and fertilizer consumption on maize and soybean productivity in Ghana by utilizing the newly constructed dynamic simulated autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model for the period 1990 to 2020. The findings indicated that climate change enhances maize and soybean yields in Ghana in both the short run and long run. Also, the results from the frequency domain causality showed that climate change causes maize and soybean yield in the long-run. These outcomes were robust to the use of the ordinary least squares estimator and the impulse response technique. The findings show that crop and water management strategies, as well as information availability, should be considered in food production to improve resistance to climate change and adverse climatic circumstances.

Bayesian technical efficiency analysis of groundnut production in Ghana

Bayesian technical efficiency analysis of groundnut production in Ghana

Financial Analysis of the Use of Land: Agriculture or Woodlot

Agriculture is the main driver of deforestation. In other to reduce deforestation, a viable alternative livelihood strategy, aside from agriculture, must be in place to provide a sustainable income for investors. Managing forests for sustainable production (the forest economy) has been suggested as an alternative for sustainable land use practice. In the current study, we undertook a comparative analysis of woodlots and agriculture. The profitability of agriculture and woodlot production in Ghana was compared using a profitability model. We looked at profitability in terms of Net Present Value (NPV) and the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of three regions in Ghana, namely, Ashanti, Bono-East, and Western Regions. We found that woodlot producers with contractual relationships with the Forest Commission and other forestry companies produce the highest Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). However, this profitability is marginally higher than that of agriculture, which gives a fixed yearly return. This means woodlot production may not be a panacea to reducing agriculture in Ghana.

Broiler production systems in Ghana: economics and the impact of frozen chicken imports

Chicken meat consumption in Ghana has significantly increased in the last two decades. However, production has stagnated, and domestic producers are struggling to satisfy the local market. Consequently, Ghana is dependent on chicken imports. The imports have attracted criticism as they are believed to be negatively affecting producers. This paper uses typical farms to analyze broiler production systems in Ghana and the impact of chicken imports. The typical farms represent the most common broiler production systems in the most important producing regions (Accra, Kumasi, and Dormaa). Large-scale integrated, medium-scale, and small-scale production systems were identified as the most common broiler production systems. The study demonstrates that feed and day-old chick costs are the most significant production cost items. The study also shows that broiler production is profitable for all systems when only considering cash-costs. Medium-scale farms located in Dormaa are unprofitable in the medium and long-term, when depreciation and opportunity costs are reflected, respectively. Cost comparisons show that imports make it difficult for broiler producers to market their chickens in the local market throughout the whole year. Therefore, broiler production in Ghana is seasonal. Furthermore, small-scale producers are the most negatively affected by the competition from the imports.

Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum prevalence and genetic variance of A. galli in rural chicken from the Northern Region, Ghana.

Rural chicken production in Ghana is predominantly done under the extensive system that exposes birds to parasitic infections. We investigated the prevalence of Ascaridia spp. and Heterakis spp. and as a preliminary study characterized the genetic variance of the Ascaridia galli isolates from rural chicken in Kumbungu, Savelugu and Tolon Districts in the Northern Region, Ghana. A total of 86 chickens aged 6-10weeks were dissected and GIT inspected for nematodes. Nematode were described based on morphological features to be A. galli and H. gallinarum. Additionally, the mitochondrial cox1 gene (475bp) of Ascaridia isolates was amplified and sequenced. The overall prevalence of nematodes was 47.67%: A. galli 37.21% and H. gallinarum 20.93%. Prevalence values of A. galli in the Kumbungu, Savelugu and Tolon Districts were 25.00%, 36.00%, 56.00%, respectively, and that of H. gallinarum, respectively were 16.67%, 28.00% and 20.00%. A Chi-square test (x2=6.0907, p<0.048) showed an association of A. galli prevalence to the district of origin of birds. From 20 A. galli cox1 sequences analyzed, all sequences were identified as A. galli. Two haplotypes were recorded, namely, GHA1 and GHA2. Haplotype GHA1 was found to have wide distribution globally, whereas GHA2 appear to be novel in the present study. The data shows the importance of A. galli and H. gallinarum infection in rural chicken in northern Ghana and pave way for further epidemiological study of avian nematodes.

Assessment of farmers’ knowledge and pesticides management in cocoa production in Ghana

The use of pesticides to control pests and diseases has been a measure to increase cocoa productivity in Ghana. However, regular use and indiscriminate application of pesticides have unintended environmental and health risks. This study assesses the types of pesticides used by cocoa farmers in Ghana, sources and knowledge on application rate, frequency of application and factors that could influence farmers’ choice of source of pesticides, knowledge on application rate, and frequency of application. Two hundred and forty cocoa farmers from the Dormaa West District of Ghana were interviewed from December 2014 to February 2015 using a pre-tested questionnaire. The results showed that farmers sourced pesticides from agrochemical shops and fellow farmers, with some benefiting from the government of Ghana's ‘‘free mass cocoa spraying’’ program. A majority (51.2%) of the farmers sprayed more than three times per cocoa season. In addition, 35% of the farmers dangerously mixed two or more different pesticides together when spraying. Gender, age, educational level, and income from cocoa farming significantly influenced the choice of source of pesticide while knowledge on pesticides application rate was significantly influenced by educational level of farmers, access to extension services, presence of agrochemical shop, membership of a farm-based organization, and age of a farmer. Frequency of pesticides application was significantly influenced by educational level of farmers, access to extension services, presence of agrochemical shop, membership of the farmer-based organization, knowledge of Ghana COCOBOD recommendation on pesticides application rate, income from cocoa farming, and age of farmers. The majority of the farmers mixed two or more pesticides together during spraying. The limitation of this research is the inability to carry out the survey in other cocoa-growing districts within the study region. There is a need for the training of farmers on the safe use of pesticides by the Ghana COCOBOD to effectively manage pests and diseases and reduce environmental pollution.

An estimation of national charcoal production: the case of Ghana

Accurate data on the production and sources of woodfuels is necessary to ensure sustainability. National level data is scanty in most subSaharan African countries. This research aimed to provide accurate data on charcoal production in Ghana and to develop a methodology that could serve as an inspiration for future assessments, in Ghana and beyond. The study compiled data over two years from Ghana Forestry Commission's records on charcoal quantities transported on the road (Charcoal Conveyance Certificates). This data was validated by mounting sentries 24 hours daily for two weeks in 2016 and 2018, respectively, along major charcoal transport routes to capture charcoal being transported without the certificate. Charcoal production not captured through the Charcoal Conveyance Certificate and the sentries was quantified from field observation and expert panel validation. Using these three methods, the study estimated a total annual production (2018) of 1 100 000 tonnes of charcoal for Ghana. This corresponds to 15.7 million m 3 of round wood equivalent. The implications of the study findings are discussed together with the pros and cons of the methods employed.

Pattern of insecticide usage in organic cocoa production in Ghana

Pattern of insecticide usage in organic cocoa production in Ghana

Exploring Challenges and Prospects of Solar Energy Entrepreneurship of Accra Metropolis in Ghana

The demand for power in Ghana is increasing at a pace of 10% each year. To shift away from traditional energy-intensive economic development and its negative environmental impact, the government has begun to heavily promote the development of solar photovoltaic technology. This study explored the challenges and potential of solar energy entrepreneurship as well as the capacity of solar energy enterprises in the production and supply of solar energy, and the methodologies for implementing solar energy businesses in Ghana's Accra Metropolis. The research took a qualitative approach and used an exploratory design. The data were analysed thematically with the aid of NVivo version 11.0. In comparison to predicted market demands, solar energy firms did not have the resources to produce and supply solar energy. In addition, to promote their operations in Ghana, solar energy companies have used techniques such as discounts, installment payments, and price reductions for goods and services. Furthermore, high-interest rates, inadequate incentives, insufficient access to finance, and a lack of technical know-how for the operation and maintenance of solar energy technology were all obstacles to investment in solar energy generation. Notwithstanding the difficulties associated with its operations, the prospects for solar energy production in Ghana remain bright. The study recommended that the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with renewable energy technology companies, educate the public about the benefits of solar energy technologies; the Ministry of Energy, in partnership with the government, ensure that the promise made in the energy policy of a 50% tax reduction on all imports of electrical goods is achieved. Moreover, financial institutions should make it easier for energy-producing firms to obtain credit.

Profitability of positive selection technique for seed yam production in Ghana and Nigeria

Profitability of positive selection technique for seed yam production in Ghana and Nigeria

Field evaluation of the impact of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease infection on yield traits of different cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) clones in Ghana.

Cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) is a major disease of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Ghana and other West African countries that grow the crop. Attempts to develop resistant varieties since the discovery of the disease in 1936 have yielded little success. Recently, planting materials that are tolerant to the disease have been recommended for planting in areas with high CSSVD prevalence. However, the effect of CSSVD on yield component traits of most cacao clones including the tolerant varieties has not been well studied. To investigate the impact of CSSVD on these traits, reduction in bean weight (BW), number of beans per pod (NoBP) and dry bean yield (DBY) between symptomless and symptomatic trees, and disease incidence (DI) among 210 different cacao clones were evaluated. The clones were transplanted in June 2010 following a randomised complete block design with four replications consisting of three trees per clone per block. Response of the clones to CSSVD incidence had 180 of the genotypes having < 50% symptoms. Clones of Contanama, Iquitos, Marañon, Nanay and unknown derived from Upper Amazon parentage had less DI at the end of the study. The CSSVD effect (symptomless vs. symptomatic) was significant (p < 0.05) for DBY and NoBP, and the symptomless trees surpassed on average their symptomatic trees by 21.17% for DBY. Some of the best-performing clones identified under natural CSSVD infection were; COCA 3348/52 and GU 219/V among the underrepresented clones, B 36, ICS 40, NA 33 x IMC 67, T30/628, T60/887, T63/971, T 81/1879 and T 82/503 among those that combine high DBY with low yield reduction, and NA 124, T17/358, T35/78, T57/305, T63/971 x SCA 6, T65/239, T76/1835 and T82/2294 among those that combine high DBY with no disease incidence. Their inclusion in breeding programs that seek to develop resistant CSSVD varieties or deployment as planting materials in endemic areas to improve yield production in Ghana is recommended on the basis of the present observations.

Can sustainability certification enhance the climate resilience of smallholder farmers? The case of Ghanaian cocoa

ABSTRACT Sustainability certification has been posited as a key governance mechanism to enhance the climate resilience of smallholder farmers. Whilst many certifications now include climate resilience in their standards, their ability to deliver this for smallholders remains untested. We take the case of the 2015–16 drought-shock to cocoa production in Ghana to examine whether certification can enhance smallholder climate resilience. We used a novel transdisciplinary methodology combining participatory outcome definition with household surveys, biophysical measurements, satellite data and counterfactual analysis. Utilising our climate resilience framework, we find that certification has a strong effect on the adoption of basic management, e.g. fertilization, but a weak influence on more complex resilience strategies, e.g. agroforest diversification. Beyond certification, we identify strong regional patterns in resilience. These findings suggest that certification has some potential to enhance climate resilience but greater focus on facilitating diversification and adapting to sub-national contexts is required for improved effectiveness.

Climate change manifestations and adaptations in cocoa farms: Perspectives of smallholder farmers in the Adansi South District, Ghana

Climate change can have huge consequences for cocoa farming and the livelihoods of communities in tropical Africa, although evidence of such effects is scanty. This study evaluated the perceptions of smallholder cocoa farmers on climate change manifestations and adaptations in the Adansi South District, Ghana. The study involved a survey of 150 households and three focus group discussions from three communities in the district. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to evaluate the rainfall and temperature trends for the period 1981–2019. The weighted average index (WAI) was used to determine the farmers' perception of climate change, its physical manifestation on their cocoa farms, and adaptation practices. While the district's temperature varied considerably from 1981 to 2019, only a marginal increase in annual rainfall was observed. The farmers correctly perceived the changes in climate (WAI = 2.07), evidenced by changes in rainfall patterns (1.76), frequent bushfires (1.68), and increasing intensity of the sun (1.65). Physical manifestations of these changes included increased dieback of cocoa trees (1.77), diseases and pest infestation (1.75), decreased yields (1.69), and stunted growth (1.65). Adaptation measures included early planting of cocoa seeds (1.87), intercropping (1.70), mulching (1.65), planting of drought-resistant varieties (1.64), and crop diversification (1.63). The adaptation measures were influenced by gender, age, education, and farming experience, among other socioeconomic factors. The findings suggest the need for relevant policies to educate cocoa farmers on the effects of climate change, highlighting the risks and benefits, and prioritizing key adaptation options for sustainable cocoa production in Ghana.

Occupational hazards and injuries among oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) farmers in the Kwaebibirem District in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) production in Ghana is associated with high levels of injury mainly because of the use of manual labour with little use of machinery. Using descriptive survey design, 100 oil palm farmers (50 males and 50 females) selected from each of the five-oil palm growing communities in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region, Ghana, were interviewed to identify the leading occupational hazards and injuries among oil palm farmers. The study showed that the major injuries farmers encountered during pre-planting operations were cutlass injury, stump injury, bee/wasp sting, general body pains and snake bites. Harvesting operations recorded body pains, objects on eyes, harvesting tool injury, snake bites and mattock injury as the major injuries, while post-harvest operations also recorded waist pains, injury on finger nails, cutlass injury and general body pains. Besides, the study showed significant difference between injuries experienced by both male and female oil palm farmers on their farms. The paper calls for sustained safety education and awareness creation on precautionary measures, and first aid operations at the farm level with special emphasis on the mandatory use of personal protective equipment.

Effect of hybrid cocoa seedlings adoption on profit efficiency in Ghana

• Tree density and old farms reduce hybrid cocoa technology adoption. • Farmers require experience to successfully adopt hybrid cocoa technology. • Male gender, tree density, access to extension and technology information support adoption. • Use of hybrid cocoa seedling, hand pollination, etc., increases profit efficiency. • Hybrid cocoa adopters are 0.101 more profit efficient than non-adopters. • Farmers are encouraged to adopt hybrid cocoa seedlings in their cocoa farms. The study examined the effect of hybrid cocoa seedling adoption on the profit efficiency of cocoa production in Ghana using cross-sectional data collected from 150 farming households in the Wassa Amenfi West district of Ghana. Cragg's Double Hurdle model, stochastic frontier profit function and propensity score matching were the methods of analysis. The results showed that whereas tree density and age of farm had negative influences on hybrid cocoa seedling adoption, farming experience exerted a positive effect. Also, the intensity of adoption of hybrid cocoa seedling was influenced by being a male farmer, tree density, access to extension as well as access to technological information. The mean estimated profit efficiency was 89.9% and this was positively influenced by male gender, hand pollination, age of cocoa tree, access to technological information and education even though farming experience exerted a negative effect. Finally, the study revealed that hybrid cocoa seedlings adopters are 0.101 more profit efficient than non-adopters. Farmers are therefore encouraged to adopt hybrid cocoa seedlings in their cocoa farms. It is also important for government to put measures in place to introduce agricultural programmes on radio and other media to enable farmers get access to technological information.

Impact of Extreme Temperature and Soil Water Stress on the Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Climate change is a major environmental stressor that would adversely affect tropical agriculture, which is largely rain-fed. Associated with climate change is an increasing trend in temperature and decline in rainfall, leading to prolonged and repeated droughts. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of climate variables such as temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and soil water on the phenology, biomass, and grain yield of soybean crops. A greenhouse experiment was set in a split plot design with three average environmental conditions as the main plots: E1 (36 °C, RH = 55%), E2 (34 °C, RH = 57%) and E3 (33 °C, RH = 44%). Additionally, there were three water treatments: W1 (near saturation), W2 (Field capacity), and W3 (soil water deficit) and two soybean varieties (Afayak and Jenguma). These treatments were replicated nine times. The results showed that high temperatures (E1) accelerated the crop development, particularly at flowering. Additionally, increased atmospheric demand for water under a high temperature environment resulted in high evapotranspiration, leading to high transpiration which probably reduced photosynthetic activity of the plants and thereby contributing to biomass and grain yield loss. Biomass and yield were drastically reduced for the combined effect of high temperature (E1) and drought (W3) as compared to combined effect of ambient temperature (E3) and well-watered condition (W1). Increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall distributions associated with climate change poses a potential threat to the soybean production in Ghana.

Prevalence of Pharmaceuticals in Surface Water Samples in Ghana

Pharmaceuticals, among the emerging contaminants, are pseudopersistent and recently of serious concern due to universal use, toxicity, and resistance development at low concentrations. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and risk of eight pharmaceuticals in surface water used for vegetable irrigation in Ghana’s Kumasi and Sunyani metropolises, which are influenced by hospitals, sewage treatment facilities, and market effluents. Samples were concentrated via solid-phase extraction (SPE) while liquid chromatography was used to identify and quantify the analytes. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and diclofenac were the detected analgesics in this study, with concentrations stretching from below detection limit (not detected) to 319.0 ng/L, while amoxicillin, trimethoprim, and cefuroxime were the detected antibiotics with a concentration range of no detection to 840.0 ng/L. Based on the available long-term data, an environmental risk assessment was conducted. Because of the presence of ibuprofen, the lowest trophic level and fish were shown to be at risk. The estimated risk quotient values for antibiotics resistance were above 1 for all the antibiotics investigated in surface water impacted by the wastewater of hospitals and pharmaceutical companies’ except surface water impacted by sewage treatment plants (STPs) and market wastewater. The existence of these pharmaceuticals in surface water does not only point to a general concern for the environment but also a potential health risk on humans and other lives as a result of their impact on drinking water and vegetable production in Ghana.

Application of Multilevel and Panel Data Statistical Techniques in Modelling the Amount of Rainfall in Selected Locals in the Greater Accra Region

This study assessed the factors that affects the amount of rainfall in Ghana. Knowing the factors that influence the amount of rainfall in a given geographical area is very important for planning and decision-making purposes. In this study, temperature, relative humidity, locality and the seasons that these factors occur were considered in determining the amount of rainfall received on land. Multilevel and panel data analysis techniques were used to analyze the data gathered from 2001-2015. The study reveals that temperature has effect on rainfall whiles relative humidity has no significant effect on the amount of rainfall experienced in the selected areas used for the study. The result shows that rainfall is maximized when temperature and relative humidity are at high levels and few rainfalls is expected when both parameters are at low levels. The study also highlighted on the importance of the study variables on food production in Ghana.

A sour taste in your mouth: consumer privileges and the socio-ecological imperatives of chocolate as pedagogy

This article describes how I use autoethnography as a methodological approach to display the multiple layers of my consciousness as a critical global sustainability educator. I use writing to demonstrate how my reflective processes on my work with chocolate as pedagogy in schools facilitate an exploration of the philosophical and pedagogical underpinnings of what it means and what it takes to educate for sustainability and global awareness and in culturally diverse settings. My desire here is to share insights by writing, describing, examining and theorising my experiences of using chocolate as a pedagogical resource for global education and socio-ecological learning to university students. By using autoethnography, I take the position that writing is a way of knowing, as well as a method of self-discovery and analysis. My aim, therefore, is simple: to use autoethnography as a processual avenue to demonstrate how I used cocoa production in Ghana, and chocolate consumption around the world, to deepen understandings of larger issues around production and consumption, as well as the linkages between learning, society and sustainability. In doing so, I foreground my personal reflective experiences in using chocolate as a teaching resource. Those experiences are objectified as the focus of the research, and I become the subject of research.

Cocoa Production in Ghana (1879-1976)

Abstract Cocoa production has been a major source of income and revenue to many citizens and the governor of Ghana respectively through time. Historically, although attributed to Tetteh Quarshie, records have shown that prior to Tetteh Quarshie’s achievement, the Dutch and Basel Missionaries had experimented with the crop in the Gold Coast. Since its introduction in the country, cocoa production has expanded and spread across all the regions in Ghana. The production of cocoa has affected every facet of development in the country since its inception and has once led Ghana to be world’s major exporter of the beans. Cocoa production in Ghana has gone beyond its agricultural and economic significance with its impacts felt across socio-cultural, religious and political life of Ghanaians. That notwithstanding, scholars have made partial effort at addressing the impact of cocoa production among Ghanaians between 1879 and 1976. Using a qualitative approach rooted in both primary and secondary sources, the current study sought to address the gap aforementioned by tracing the relationship between cocoa production and economics, politics and social-religious practices among Ghanaian between 1879 and 1976. Findings from the discourse revealed that though an agricultural product, cocoa can no longer be said to belong to that sphere alone. The product and its associated gains have permeated the entire life of Ghanaians since its inception.