Savannah Ecological Zone Research Articles

City Regionalism in the Global South: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

This study investigates city regionalism within the context of state restructuring in postcolonial Ghana. To understand Ghana’s emerging city regionalism, first, we argue that planning is marshaled as an institutional instrument to materialize the state’s vision of remaking national territory and internationalizing the state. Second, city regionalism is a political process leveraged by a unique power geometry. The study adopts Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone (NSEZ) regional plan to elucidate city regionalism in the Global South. Our findings reveal the central government’s inclination toward endogenous territorial restructuring, by which city region development is centrally orchestrated and state guided. In addition, city regionalism is influenced by the geostrategic ambitions of international capital, especially Chinese capital, which seeks to draw investment into the built environment and infrastructure. The central government’s customization of a regional governance agency, the Northern Development Authority (NDA), and the decentralization of land resources give rise to a “dumbbell” power structure. The concentration of legal and cohesive power in the central government and an overly privatized land ownership regime characterize this dumbbell power structure. The operation of the NDA is thus a scaffolding with no substantial power. The central government exercises restrictive fiscal regulation over regional and local states in the NSEZ. These two dimensions hamper the effective implementation of the regional plan. Collaboration between different levels of state administration, traditional authorities, and civil society actors is imperative to address the complexities of city regionalism in postcolonial Ghana.

From conflict to collaboration through inclusive landscape governance: Evidence from a contested landscape in Ghana

The Western Wildlife Corridor (WWC) in Ghana’s Northern Savannah ecological zone is a contested landscape where efforts to reverse widespread environmental degradation often conflict with local livelihood concerns and broader development objectives. Despite policy measures to devolve natural resource decision-making authority, poor environmental management, persistent socioeconomic challenges, and increasingly limited livelihood opportunities for people living within the corridor prevail. This study investigates environmental degradation in the WWC and natural resource governance using information on stakeholder perceptions from stakeholder workshops, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. We also explore how natural resource management might be strengthened to better deliver social, economic, and environmental goals. We found that despite a history of contestation, stakeholders were able to agree upon specific issues of common concern and generate a collaborative vision for the WWC landscape. Transitioning toward such a vision requires significant investment in strengthening current governance structures and building natural resource management capacity within the corridor and beyond. Furthermore, persistent challenges of conflicting stakeholder objectives and issues related to coordination, corruption, and non-inclusion in decision-making about natural resources must be addressed to advance progress. Stakeholders were able to formulate specific recommendations and a participatory theory of change to inform the development of a sustainable landscape management plan and future evidence-based policy that could steer the WWC toward a more resilient and multifunctional system that equitably supports livelihoods, biodiversity, and wider economic development. The methods for inclusive engagement in environmental decision-making are extrapolatable to other contexts facing similar social-environmental challenges.

Estimation of water inflows to reservoirs of irrigation dams in the Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT The study was carried out in the northern Ghana to estimate water inflows to nine reservoirs of irrigation dams for a period of 20 years (1999–2018) using the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number model. The key input parameters of the model were hydrologic soil group, rainfall amount, landuse/landcover, weighted curve number, antecedent moisture condition, and potential maximum soil moisture retention. The annual rainfall within the reservoir catchments was found to vary between 617.20 and 1,382.30 mm. The estimated annual runoff depths ranged from 54.10 to 125.55 mm. A high degree of positive correlation was found between rainfall and runoff depths with a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 79.80 to 90.70%. Hydrologic soil groups accounted for about 67.2 and 62.5% of the variation in runoff depth and percentage runoff, respectively. The estimated annual water inflows to the reservoirs ranged from 145,206 ± 125,814 m3/y at Gambibgo to 47,074,634 ± 4,395,860 m3/y at Tono. The variation in the annual water inflows and annual storage capacity recharge among the various reservoirs was noted to be influenced by reservoir size, catchment size, rainfall, and soil characteristics in the reservoir catchments.

Effects of sheep manure, plant population and nitrogen levels on growth and fresh fruit yield of chilli pepper (<i>Capsicum frutescence</i> l.) at Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted between 2004 and 2006 at the Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Samaru Zaria in the Northern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria, to study the response of chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescence L.) to sheep manure, plant population and nitrogen levels. Treatments evaluated consisted of four levels of sheep manure rates (0 t, 5 t, 10 t, and15 t ha-1), three plant populations (22,222; 44,444; and 66,666 plants ha1) and four rates of Nitrogen (0kg,60kg 120kg and 180 kg N ha1). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design and replicated three times. Result showed that application of sheep manure produced about significant increase in number of branches by 80%, similarly number of fruits increased by more than 600% and fresh fruit yields (Kg ha-1) recorded 57% increase over the control. Plant population was observed to significantly increase in the number of fruits per plant with 22,222 and 44,444plant/ha recording similar values, but higher number of fruits produced per plant than 66,666 plants ha-1 However, fresh fruit yield of Chilli pepper was not significantly influenced by plant population. The use of 120kgN ha1 resulted in increased number of branches, fruit per plant and fresh fruit yields by 57 and 60% respectively over non fertilized plants. Application of sheep manure at 10 t ha1, +44,444plants ha and 120kgN ha could be recommended for the production of chilli pepper under rain fed condition in Northern Guinea savannah.

Effects of Tillage Practices on the Growth and Yield of Maize, in the Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Abstract: A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of conventional tillage (CVT) and conservation tillage (CST) on various aspects of maize yield parameters and grain yield, using the Wagdaata maize variety. The study was conducted at the experimental farm of Tamale Technical University, located at Northern region, Tamale, Sagnarigu municipality in the Guinea savannah ecological zone of Ghana in 2023 cropping season. A randomised complete block design was used with three replicates. The treatments consisted of two tillage practices: conventional tillage (CVT) and conservation tillage (CST) and a control. The CVT involved plowing the soil to a depth of 15cm using a tractor plough with disk to plow. The CST involved use of hoe to make ridges and the control was direct seeding without loosen the soil. Plant height was evaluated every two weeks by measuring the height of maize to the base of the apex leaf. Other data collected were: maize leaf area. Cob characteristics including ear height, cob weight with husk, fresh cob weight, and dry cob weight, number of cobs per hectare and number of kernels per cob, 1000 seed weight and grain yields. The present study revealed that plant height, maize leaf area and shoot dry weight increased in the ridges than the other tillage practices. Cob characteristics such as ear height, cob weight with husk, fresh cob weight, and dry cob weight, number of cobs per hectare and number of kernels per cob, 1000 seed weight and grain yields was also optimum with the ridges as a against the other tillage practices. The study showed increased grain yield by 66% in the ridge tillage (2,389 kg/ha) over the plough tillage (1,436 kg/ha). The study provides comprehensive insights into the impact of tillage practices on various aspects of maize growth and yield, with ridge tillage emerging as a favorable practice for optimizing maize plant development and overall productivity in the Guinea savannah ecological zone of Ghana.

Evaluation of Proximate Composition Based on Cutting Heights of Amaranth (<i>Amaranthus cruentus L.</i>) in Bagauda, Kano State

A field trial was carried out during the 2022 rainy season at the National Horticultural Research Institute Bagauda substation (NIHORT) situated in the Sudan savannah ecological zone of Nigeria (190 4̍ N, long 120 26' E, and 721m above sea level). The trial was done to investigate cutting heights response on the proximate composition analysis of Amaranthus cruentus. The treatments consisted of three cutting heights (10cm, 15cm and 20cm) and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Fresh samples were oven dried and grounded into powder using blender and passed through 2mm sieve. which were determined using standard procedure by AOAC method and analyzed for proximate composition.There were significant effects in the results obtained on the percentage of fat and crude fibre only.Percentage of protein, moisture, carbohydrate, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were found to be non- significant. These findings suggest that cutting amaranth shoots at 20cm above the ground has an increased effect on means of percentage fat (3.062) and crude fibre (3.80) containing nutrients that has great potential for mechanical harvesting that may improve the nutritional components of the crop.

Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethereal extracts of elephants’ feeds in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana

This study reports on the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant properties of aqueous and ethereal crude extracts of Cassia sieberiena root, Ficus platyphylla stembark, Terminalia laxiflora root, and leaves, Tamarindus indica fruits, Kigelia africana root and Mitragyna inermis stembark as Elephants feed. Standard and approved methods were employed in this study. The phytochemical constituents detected included alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The IC50s were 115 µg/mL and 7865 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Mitragyna inermis. 77.29 µg/mL and 1564 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Ficus platyphylla, 5352 µg/mL and 7843 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Terminalia Laxiflora, 8.963 µg/mL and 1253 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Cassia sieberiena, 10423µg/mL and 12645 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Kigelia africana, 1339 µg/mL and 2653µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Tamarindus indica and 3.819 µg/mL for gallic acid (control). Cassia sieberiena root aqueous extract had the highest total phenol content of 62.36 ± 6.18 with a corresponding total antioxidant capacity of 289.0 ± 6.642 and the lowest total phenol content of 1.543±2.76 was detected in ethereal extract of Terminalia laxiflora leaves with a corresponding total antioxidant capacity of 241.3±4.04. The aqueous extracts possess stronger DPPH scavenging abilities compared to the ethereal extracts for all samples studied. These findings revealed the health-supporting potentials of these elephant feeds. The finding is also a guide to the managers of our zoos and National parks on the importance of natural feeding in wildlife.

Determinants of adaptation strategies to offset decreasing provisioning ecosystem services in the Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

Complex environmental challenges associated with altering provisioning ecosystem services (PES) impede the livelihood requirements of environmental reliant households in Ghana. International efforts at unearthing sustainable pathways have acknowledged the role of adaptation as a policy option. This notwithstanding, existing studies has largely focused on coping and adaptation strategies to rising temperature and erratic rainfall. Few studies have attempted to explore the factors that determine the capacity of individuals to adapt to waning supply of PES. This study employed a mixed methodological design to interview 400 smallholder farmers. The results reveal that in vulnerable landscapes, smallholder farmers were more likely to implement off-farm adaptation measures such as livelihood diversification, migration, sale of assets to purchase grains and altering diets. Conversely, in resilient landscapes, smallholder farmers were more likely to implement on-farm adaptation strategies such as planting drought tolerant crop varieties and application of manure. The findings further reveal that ecosystem compatible adaptation measures such as agro-forestry and reclamation of degraded lands are costly to implement, hence have been practised by few smallholder farmers. Binary Logistic Regressions (BLR) modelling indicates that the ecological zone of an area and socio-economic factors such as sex, education, age, land tenure arrangement, length of stay in the community, and position in household significantly determine the choice of adaptation measures implemented by smallholder farmers. The integration and mainstreaming of local level adaptation practices in conventional practices are pivotal to enhancing ecosystem integrity and livelihood resilience.

Comparative Analysis of the Accuracy of Thirteen Photo-based Applications in the Identification of Trees Species in Northern Ghana

Photo-based tree identification applications have gained prominence for their convenience and speed of identifying tree species. However, the accuracy of these applications remains a critical concern. This study assessed the accuracy of thirteen photo-based tree identification applications in the identification of twenty-two tree species in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana using their leaf samples. Three photographs were taken from well-developed and diseased-free leaves from each tree, in their natural environment, using a Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 phone with inbuilt camera. The photographs were uploaded into the respective Applications’ platforms for processing and identification. This study used 858 photographs, from 22 plant species using 13 photo-based applications. The number of times an application was able to identify the species were recorded and analysed using Microsoft Excel. The results showed that mean identification accuracy was 65.03%. Seven of the applications were able to identify the tree species up to 72.73 - 95.45% accuracy. The remaining eight had an accuracy range of 9.90 -50.09%. LeafSnap, PlantNet and PlantID had the same and the highest accuracy rate of 95.45% corresponding to 21 of the plant species identified. These were closely followed by Plant ID, PictureThis, Google Lens and Nature ID with accuracy rates of 86.36%, 81.81%, 77.27% and 72.73%, respectively. Plant-X had the least accuracy of 9.09%. The study recommended applications with identification accuracy above 70% for used in identifying species in the Savanna Zone of Ghana. The results of this study have significant implications for the identification and management of tree species as non-taxonomists, non-botanists and non-naturalists will be able to work effectively. Further studies, consideration up to the family level, are needed to further improve the accuracy of these applications. The study also recommends the inclusion of other plant organs such as the fruits, flowers and bark in future research works. It is also recommended that other Photo-based tree identification applications be studied, and the results compared with findings of this study to assist select the best applications for identifying trees in the Savanna Zone of Northern Ghana.

Smallholder farmers’ perceived effects of land use and cover change on provisioning ecosystem services in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana

Smallholder farmers’ perceived effects of land use and cover change on provisioning ecosystem services in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana

Intake and Palatability of Forages Fed to Rabbits in the Coastal Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Intake and Palatability of Forages Fed to Rabbits in the Coastal Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Performance Evaluation of Drainage Systems in the Bontanga Irrigation Scheme in the Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Performance Evaluation of Drainage Systems in the Bontanga Irrigation Scheme in the Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Genotypic variability and genetic parameters for root yield, dry matter and related traits of cassava in the Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic performance and genetic parameters governing storage root yield and related traits in cassava genotypes in order to identify superior genotypes. The study involved 18 elite cassava genotypes which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications and assessed for storage root yield and yield components (12 months after planting) in the Guinea savannah ecology of Ghana for three seasons. Analysis of variance indicated significant (p < 0.05) genotype and year main effects for fresh and dry root yields, dry matter content, starch yield and harvest index. Genotype × year effect was significant (p < 0.05) for fresh root yield, dry root yield and starch yield. Estimates of the variance components revealed greater genotypic influence for starch yield, fresh and dry root yields implying the potential for genetic gain with selection for these traits among the genotypes. Relatively high (69 %) broad sense heritability estimate was observed for dry storage root yield indicating the depth of genetic influence. Path coefficient analysis revealed a direct positive effect of dry matter content on dry storage root yield whilst dry storage root yield had direct positive effect on starch yield suggesting the possibility of indirect selection for starch yield through dry storage root yield. The study revealed ample genotypic variability among the cassava genotypes to warrant selection. Four genotypes, IBA 070134, IBA 419, IBA 950289 and IBA 980581 were identified for high and stable fresh and dry root yields for multilocational testing.

Effectiveness of some aflatoxin interventions in reducing the aflatoxin contamination of maize in Ghana

The presence of aflatoxin in food and feed represents a significant health hazard to both human and animal populations, hence exerting adverse effects on the environment and the global economy. The effects of maize variety, agroecological zones, and aflatoxin control measures on aflatoxin contamination were tested using a 2x2x3 factorial in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of two agroecological zones, two varieties of maize, and three aflatoxin control measures. The aflasafe was applied at a rate of 10 kg/ha and the nicoking at 200 ml per 15 liters of water. There was no contamination of maize samples grown in the Forest zone with aflatoxins during all the treatments. There was no contamination of maize samples with aflatoxins BI, B2, G1, and G2 for all the treatments in the Savannah zone except for the hoeing method. The highest contamination of Aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) (0.19 µg/kg) was recorded by the Wangdataa maize variety using hoeing as the means of the aflatoxin control method. The highest Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) contamination (0.45 µg/kg) was produced by maize grown in the Savannah ecozone using the hoeing method of control. In conclusion, the study showed that all the control methods gave maximum protection to the maize while growing on the field except the hoeing method in the Savannah ecological zone. The study recommends that in the Savannah zone if a farmer chooses hoeing as a method to control aflatoxins, it is advisable to complement this approach with the use of biological or chemical methods for effective aflatoxin control.

Silicone wristband as a sampling tool for insecticide exposure assessment of vegetable farmers

The use of passive sampling devices (PSDs) as an appropriate alternative to conventional methods of assessing human exposure to environmental toxicants was studied. One-time purposive sampling by a silicone wristband was used to measure insecticide residues in 35 volunteer pepper farmers in the Vea irrigation scheme in the Guinea savannah and the Weija irrigation scheme in the coastal savannah ecological zones of Ghana. A GC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantifying 18 insecticides used by farmers in Ghana. Limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.64 to 67 and 2.2–222 ng per wristband, respectively. The selected insecticides showed a range of concentrations in the various silicone wristbands from not detected to 27 μg/wristband. The concentrations of 13 insecticides were above their LOQs. Chlorpyrifos had the highest detection frequencies and concentrations, followed by cyhalothrin and then allethrin. This study shows that silicone wristbands can be used to detect individual insecticide exposures, providing a valuable tool for future exposure studies. Ghanaian vegetable farmers are substantially exposed to insecticides. Hence, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment is recommended.

Proximate composition and mineral profile of elephants forages in the Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the proximate and mineral composition of various parts of Balanites aegyptiaca, Mitragyna inermis, Cassia sieberiena, Kigelia africana, Detarium microcarpum, Terminalia laxiflora, Ficus platyphylla and Climber plant (Liana) as feeds of elephants in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana. The proximate composition was carried out using the methods of the Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) and the mineral profiles were determined by atomic absorption and flame photometric methods. The highest content of Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, Ash, Moisture and Nitrogen free extract were 12.0% ± 0.01, 15.3% ± 0.01, 14.6% ± 0.0, 7.5% ± 0.01, 76.6% ± 0.01 for Ficus platyphylla, Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca and Detarium microcarpum, respectively. The mineral profiling also found appreciable levels of Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se and Mn at concentrations (mg/kg) of 4.6 ± 0.00, 0.4 ± 0.01, 0.4 ± 0.01, 5.1 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01, 1.07 ± 0.008, 0.25 ± 0.005, 0.063 ± 0.0005, 37.48 ± 0.001 for Ficus platyphylla bark, Liana, Terminalia laxiflora bark and leaves, Mitragyna inermis bark, Terminalia laxiflora leaves and Mitragyna inermis leaves, respectively. Presentation of the presence of these important nutrients would be a guide to zoo managers and wildlife practitioners on the best quality of feeds to select for wild elephants.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions on Drivers of Land Degradation and its Impact on their Livelihoods in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria

Land degradation is a global problem that has adversely affected agriculture. The Guinea Savannah ecological zone is one of the regions experiencing large-scale land degradation in Nigeria. Because of the important role agriculture plays in the economy of Nigeria, this study therefore examines smallholder farmers’ perception of drivers of land degradation and its impact on their livelihoods in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; an area within the Guinea savannah ecological zone. A survey of smallholder farmers was conducted and the instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. Most of the respondents perceived that overgrazing (96.7%), soil erosion (92.7%), bush burning (82.2%), continuous soil tillage (80.2%), sand mining (72.3%) and deforestation (63.2%) are responsible for land degradation in the area. The livelihoods of farmers are negatively impacted because land degradation has led to a reduction in land productivity; dependence on chemical fertilizers, which increases the cost of crop production; and loss of farm labour. To mitigate land degradation; controlled grazing, afforestation and controlled sand mining should be encouraged; in addition to the provision of cheap alternative cooking energy by the government to help reduce the rate of deforestation.

Qualitative mutant traits within the indigenous chicken population in selected ecological zones of Ghana

A study was carried out to find out the various mutant traits present in the indigenous chicken population and their influence on egg production in the three ecological zones of Ghana. Four hundred and five (405) households were purposively selected across the Guinea Savannah, Semi-deciduous Rain Forest and Coastal Savannah ecological zones. Structured questionnaire and on-site interviews were used to obtain information from the local chicken keepers. The individual birds were phenotypically observed for the presence of the following genes; frizzle, naked neck, silkiness, polydactyl, ptilopody, crest feathered and flightless. Data on flightless chickens were not available except their gene frequencies since the respondents do not keep them for economic purposes. The data collected were organised and analysed such that phenotypic groups were considered as treatments and ecological zones as blocks. The frequency of the genes responsible for mutant traits were obtained from a count of the proportion of recessive in the sample using the Hardy Weinberg rule. The calculated gene frequencies for the mutant traits observed within the local chicken population ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 which differed significantly (p<0.05) from the expected Mendelian values of 0.75. Average clutch size per year, number of eggs set and chicks hatched per natural incubation were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the three ecological zones. The percentage hatchability for Guinea savannah and Coastal savannah were relatively higher compared to Semi-deciduous rain forest. In terms of phenotypes, polydactyl birds were significantly better (p<0.05) in average eggs per clutch per bird, number of eggs set for natural incubation and number of chicks hatched. Despite the low frequencies of these mutant birds, they had a higher potential for egg laying compared to their recessive counterparts.

Linking Crop Specialization to Agricultural Commercialization: Empirical Evidence from the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Specialization and intensification have been the main focuses of agricultural development and modernization for decades, among those who claim that doing so will increase agricultural output. Specialization and commercialization in agriculture are linked to greater efficiency than subsistence farming, as these can boost the production and competitiveness of smallholder farmers. However, in recent years, some have questioned this model's resilience and long-term viability. Specialization, as well as increasing output and commercialization, are part of the agricultural transformation processes. Research needs to be done to answer why farmers switch to high-value crop production to increase profits and deal with the resultant issues. The question of whether crop specialization would lead to greater commercialization within the Ghanaian context requires an answer. This study explores the link between crop specialization and agricultural commercialization by utilizing secondary data from the Ghana Feed the Future baseline survey involving a total sample of 2,952 farm households. As a novelty, the study addresses the seeming simultaneity between crop specialization and agricultural commercialization that has been overlooked in the literature. The bivariate probit regression result indicates that estimating separate univariate probit models is inappropriate. Therefore, failure to jointly model crop specialization and commercialization could yield biased estimates. This study applies the recursive bivariate probit model to establish a causal relationship between crop specialization and agricultural commercialization. The findings have revealed that crop specialization stimulates commercialization. The synergy between crop specialization and agricultural commercialization has implications for enhancing food security and increasing farmers' incomes. To improve commercialization and crop specialization, the Government of Ghana should intensify land registration and modify the land tenure systems to make lands easily accessible to farmers.

Preliminary study on the Effect of NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer and plastic mulch on growth and yield of three chili cultivars grown in field and pot conditions

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of Black Plastic Mulch (BPM) and different rates of NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of three chili cultivars under field and protected cultivation. Two levels of mulch (BPM and no mulch), three levels of NPK (0, 200 and 300 kg/ha), and three cultivars “Demond F1” (DF1), “Legon 18” (L18), and “Shito Adope”, (SA) were used. Split application of half of each of the 200 and 300 kg/ha rates were applied two and four weeks after transplanting. Vegetative growth indices, soil moisture, and soil temperature were measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after transplanting. The yield was calculated using AVRDC (1990) formula for chili pepper. The study revealed an increase in soil temperature and moisture under BPM for both studies. Also, 200 kg/ha NPK and BPM led to an increase in vegetative growth and yield for DF1 and SA. However, 300 kg/ha NPK decreased vegetative growth. In addition, there was no significant influence of BPM on the number of fruits harvested. However, for the pot study, BPM led to an increase in the number of fruits for “Legon 18” as compared to the other cultivars. The study, therefore, concludes that 200 kg/ha NPK was the best when cultivating DF1 and SA, for chili growth and development in the savannah ecological zone.