Below are some current developments on Agriculture in Africa:
Agricultural Issues
Initiative Boosts Cocoa Productivity
More than 32,000 cocoa farmers in Ghana and other West African countries are now reducing the impact of pests and plant diseases on their cocoa crop. This has become possible through a joint programme by CropLife Africa Middle East and the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) which trains a small group of select farmers to become Spray Service Providers (SSPs). SSPs are professionals who are able to identify pests, provide advice on their management and, when needed, properly apply crop protection products on cocoa farms. The programme is part of the WCF African Cocoa Initiative (ACI), a public-private partnership sponsored by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF). The initiative aims to double productivity for 100,000 cocoa farm households and raise farmer incomes by 150-200 per cent by 2016.
Cocoa Farmers Urged to Adopt Good Practices
The Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Mr. Gilbert Anim Oppong has urged cocoa farmers to adopt good farming practices to increase their yields. He made the call when the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Antwi-Bosiako Sekyere visited the institute as part of his tour of Fanteakwa District and the East Akim Municipality. Mr. Oppong explained that, capsid (Akate) and black pod diseases are the major challenges facing cocoa farmers. He said to prevent akate from destroying the cocoa, farmers must build an overhead shades on the farms. Mr. Oppong suggested that, apart from the use of fungicides as a preventive method, good agronomic practices is the sure way to boost cocoa production and maintain the farm for a long period.
Ghana's Vulnerability to Climate Change
Two Lecturers from the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), have thrown light on how climate change is gradually affecting the country and the picture it paints on the economy in the long term. Dr. Winston Asante, a scientist and senior lecturer at the KNUST states that temperatures throughout the country are typically high due to climate change and meteorological evidence reveals increases in temperature over the coming years. Regarding crop production and food supply, he said more than 60% of Ghana's population is rural and directly depend on locally grown crops of food…
European Union (EU) Funds Research to Maximise Yam Production
The European Union (EU) in Ghana and United Kingdom research institutions to cut post-harvest losses of yams, estimated at 60 percent globally. Through the GRATITUDE project, the EU is funding the efforts of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research -Food Resources Institute (FRI) and Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of University of Greenwich UK, on making gains from losses of roots and tubers like yam and cassava. An official statement from the research bodies said the project aimed at reducing these losses to enhance the role the yam plays in food and income security through value added processing to reduce physical and economic losses.
FAO Official Favours Gender Parity in Production
Closing the gender gap in agriculture would accelerate significant economic gains in developing countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said. Ms. Tacko Ndiaye, FAO Africa Region Senior Officer for Gender, Equality and Rural Development said, if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20 to 30 per cent. This, she said could raise total agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5 per cent to four per cent, which could in turn reduce the number of hungry people in the world by 12 per cent to 17 per cent. “Policy interventions can help close the gender gap in agriculture and labour markets,” Ms. Ndiaye stated…
Food Sovereignty Ghana Cautions Parliament against Bill
Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), says it has come to its notice that the Plant Breeders' Bill (PBB), has appeared on the Parliamentary Business Statement for the second week ending Friday, November 14. “We therefore seek to take this opportunity to call on Parliament to do the right thing and reject the Plant Breeders' Bill in its current form. We consider it an indictment on Ghana's Parliament that such an extremely bad bill could even travel through the First and Second Readings to reach the Consideration Stage!” Full text of a statement issued by FSG Chairperson Ali-Masmadi Jehu-Appiah, an advocacy movement dedicated towards the promotion of people’s right to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable method.
President Of The Republic Of Ghana And The President Of The Italian Chamber Of Deputies Visit Rome HQ, Celebrate WFP's Work
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today celebrated the support and firm commitments of Ghana and Italy to its emergency responses and to the global movement to end hunger; the Zero Hunger Challenge. In official visits today to WFP's Rome headquarters, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama and the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Laura Boldrini both addressed a meeting of WFP's Executive Board. In his remarks to the board, President Mahama spoke of the impact of the Ebola Virus Disease on the food security of people in the three countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone: "Many families have not been able to plant and harvest their crops this time. The intervention of WFP to supply food to vulnerable families and communities will….
DCE Urges Communities to Take Commercial Tree-planting Seriously
Mr. Peter Light Koomson, District Chief Executive for Ajumako-Enya-Essiam, has disclosed that under the Ghana Social Opportunity Programme (GSOP), each of the five paramountcies in the district, has been allocated GH¢ 50,000 for commercial tree-planting business, adding that the benefits and profits that would accrue from the business, will go direct to the traditional area for other development programmes. Mr. Koomson made this disclosure when he addressed a durbar of chiefs and people of Ajumako-Enya-Essiam, during their Annual Akwambo Kese Festival at Enyan Maim over the weekend. On the Ebola menace as well as Cholera, Mr. Koomson called on the citizenry to stay in healthy environments, and urged farmers, especially hunters, to strive hard to avoid bush meat like…
Farmers Urged to Weed Farms to Prevent Swollen Shoot
Cocoa farmers whose farms have been affected by the swollen shoot viral disease have been advised to allow the affected trees to be cut down. Mr. Randy A. Boaitey, Akyem-Oda District Cocoa Officer of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), was interacting with the GNA Media Auditing and Development Tracking team at Akyem-Oda. He said the only cure for the disease which could spread from one cocoa farm to the other, was to cut down the affected trees. “After the tree have been cut down, the farmer would be paid compensation and then supplied with hybrid cocoa seedlings free of charge for replanting, which will start bearing fruits within two to three years,’’ he noted.
Smallholder Farmers have Difficulties Accessing Healthcare
Smallholder farmers in the rural parts of the country are finding it very difficult to access healthcare and this is seriously affecting agriculture production in the country. This was made known during a regional forum organized by the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) held in Bolgatanga on Wednesday. The forum which was on the theme, “Health Care Delivery in the Northern Sector, “and attracted stakeholders, including District Directors of the Ghana Health Services, District Directors of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Regional Directors, Managers of the National Health Insurance Scheme and Civil Society Organizations, was to chart the way forward to address the health needs of the farmers.
Implement Agric Policies to Benefit Small holder Farmers
A platform of Upper East Regional Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Agriculture has challenged government to implement agricultural policies that would inure to the benefit of small holder farmers. The CSO platform met in Bolgatanga to deliberate on challenges militating against performance of small holder farmers, food security and ways to push the agricultural agenda for the country forward. The meeting was organized by SEND Ghana, an advocacy organization in Collaboration with Trade Aid Integrated. Miss Nana Aisha Mohammed, Project Officer SEND Ghana, said the platform provided CSOs in Agriculture the opportunity to highlight agricultural issues and how they affected small holder farmers.
Minister Receives US Farmers Union President
Mr. Fifi Kwetey, Minister of Food and Agriculture, on Tuesday welcomed the President of US National Farmers’ Union, Mr. Roger Johnson, who is in Ghana to participate in the National Food and Agriculture Show (FAGRO). The FAGRO would commence on November 12 in Kumasi where Mr. Johnson is expected to make a presentation to energize Ghanaian farmers to reposition themselves in the farming business to increase yields towards food security. He would seek to hammer the need for the farmers and the youth to change their attitude to farming and see it as the main driver of the economy. Mr. Kwetey said his visit was very important in that Ghana’s agricultural sector required massive transformation to be able to feed the teeming population…the challenge with agriculture in…
Three Thousand, Nine Hundred Cocoa Farmers in Oda District Receive Free Fertilizer
The Akyem Oda District of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has supplied fertilizers free of charge to about 3,900 cocoa farmers in the area. The gesture forms part of government’s effort to assist cocoa farmers to increase their yields. One thousand, nine hundred of the farmers received 24,000 bags of granular NPK fertilizer, and 1,500 cartons of liquid fertilizer were also supplied to over 2,000 farmers. Mr. Randy K.A. Boaitey, the District Cocoa Farmer, revealed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency Media Auditing and Development Tracking team at Akyem Oda.
Small Scale Rice Dealers Appeal to Spio Garbrah
Members of Small Scale Rice Dealers Association of Ghana (SSRIDA-GH), has drawn the attention of the Trade Ministry to the negative impact the ban on inland rice importation has brought to traders. “The Ministry of Trade and Industry on October 14, 2013 served a noticed of ban on inland importation of rice stating that ‘with effect from 1st November, 2013”, all imports of rice shall be done through only the Kotoka International Airport, Tema and Takoradi Ports, meaning our only means of transport would have to be either through the air or by sea. This directive gave us only two weeks ultimatum to fold up our trading business through the border. As petty traders our capital base would not allow us to do our business through the air or by the sea.
US to Collaborate with Nigeria on Food Security
The United States of America will collaborate with the Nigerian government and the private sector in the area of agriculture and agric business as part of efforts to ensure global food security, US Regional Agricultural Counselor for Nigeria and Ghana, Mr Selfart Kurt, disclosed this during a facility visit to TUNS Farms Nigeria Limited in Osogbo, Osun State. Mr. Kurt told newsmen that the visit was part of strategies to collect data in Nigeria as part of the United States of America’s agricultural policy aimed at ensuring food security in Nigeria and other African countries. “The purpose of my visit to TUNS Farm is to collect, analyse and act on information on agriculture, agric business, food security and food safety.
Chief Ibrahim honoured for promoting Agric, Education and Trade in Ghana
The Humanity for Africa Foundation, in conjunction with the American African Asian Chamber of Commerce, has conferred its Lifetime Award in Community mobilisation on Chief Ahmed Ibrahim, Chief of the Wangara Community in the Ashanti Region. The ambassador of peace award is in recognition of Chief Ibrahim’s contribution to the promotion of education, agriculture and trade in Ghana. It is also in recognition of his continued promotion of peace and stability. The award was presented to him by the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Luis A. Quintana…
Articles/Reports
Economics of Tractor Ownership under Rainfed Agriculture with Applications in Ghana
Houssou, Nazaire; Diao, Xinshen; and Kolavalli, Shashi
This paper assesses whether tractor investment is a rational and profitable decision for farmers using firm investment theory and tractor owner survey data collected in 2013. Under erratic rainfalls, timeliness of farming operations is critical for farmers. Based on the hypothesis that owning a tractor and hiring tractor services are not necessarily perfect substitutes for farmers with relatively large farm sizes, this paper assesses whether mechanization services can be profitable for the private sector in Ghana. It particularly addresses whether farmer-to-farmer service provision is a viable alternative to current programs, which should be promoted by policymakers for scaling up agricultural mechanization in the country.
Sustainable Cocoa Production in Ghana: A Case Study of Farmer Field School and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
BM Dzomeku, IK Vifa, SK Agordorku - Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus (ACS), 2014
A study was conducted to gather empirical evidence on the effectiveness of Farmer Field School (FFS) and the strengths of the approach in imparting knowledge and empowering farmers. The study was conducted on a cocoa farm where all activities were carried out during Field School sessions for an entire cocoa cropping season. There were 49 participants in the school. The FFS farm was divided into three plots: the integrated crop and pest management (ICPM) plot, ICPM+ fertilizer and farmer practice (FP). Data were collected on the FFS graduates and analyzed. This study provides empirical evidence on four issues: the effectiveness of FFS training, the potential contribution of farmer-to-farmer diffusion, the positive change in farm management practices and the social impact of child labour and school enrolment. The results confirm the power of discovery learning and that farmers from the FFS were better informed than those without FFS training…
Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
EW Deffor - J Biosafety Health Educ, 2014
Genetic Modification (GM) is a rapidly growing technology that can improve productivity and profitability for producers. The study assessed consumer acceptance of GM foods in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study is based on a survey conducted in three districts of the Greater Accra Region namely, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Ga East (GE) and Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) using purposive sampling method. A qualitative choice (Logit) model was used to estimate the effect of various factors on consumer acceptance of GM foods. The results obtained showed that, about 90% of the respondents had heard or read something about GM foods indicating a high level awareness among respondents’ in the Greater Accra Region. The results also show that 85% of the respondents were willing to accept GM foods. From the logit model, consumers with age groups 31-40 and above 50 years, were more likely to accept GM foods in the study area where as male….
Household Adoption of Soil-improving Practices and Food Insecurity in Ghana
JT Nata, JW Mjelde, FO Boadu - Agriculture & Food Security, 2014
The persistent problem of poor agricultural practices and technology use leads to food insecurity for some farmers in Ghana. Studies show that the adoption of improved agricultural practices and technology may help stabilize production and lessen food insecurity. This study addresses the link between food insecurity and the adoption of soil-improving practices. To address this link, the objectives of this study are to examine factors associated with the adoption of soil-improving practices by Ghanaian farmers and how this adoption impacts the probability of increased food security. Using survey data, two logit models are estimated to determine 1) the likelihood of adopting soil-improving practices including how food security may influence adoption and 2) the relationship between….
Evaluation of Grain and Sugar Yields of Improved Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Varieties in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana
D Atokple, G Oppong, S Chikpah - pinnacle agricultural research & management, 2014
As part of research towards ensuring food security and ethanol production for sustainable renewable energy supply in Ghana, field trials were conducted to evaluate the grain yield, brix percentage (sugar content) yield and other agronomic parameters of eighteen (18) improved sweet sorghum lines and two local varieties in the Guinea-Savanna zone of Ghana, where the crop is mainly grown as a staple. The improved sorghum varieties were obtained from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India; Ethiopia, France, and Institute for Energy Research (IER), Mali and Nicaragua whereas the local varieties were obtained from the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana….
The Business Case for Women’s Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives
C Clugston - 2014
Historically, agricultural cooperatives in Paraguay have included very few women both as leaders and members. However, this trend has been changing in some agricultural cooperatives in recent years. One of these is Manduvira, located in Arroyos y Esteros in the Cordillera Department. This fair-trade sugar cooperative has seen an increase in the participation of women members and leaders. In spring 2014 ACDI/VOCA’s Cooperative Development Program (CDP) conducted a series of interviews with Manduvira cooperative leaders, staff members, and producer members to assess female participation in the institution. Some key findings from this case study and secondary materials are presented in this paper.
Factors Influencing Farmers Participation in Smallholder Irrigation Schemes: The Case of Ntfonjeni Rural Development Area
NL Sithole, JK Lagat, MB Masuku - Journal of Economics and Sustainable …, 2014
Most Swazi households depend on rainfed agriculture for food production, which limits the output because of the unreliable rainfall in the country. To mitigate this, the government has invested in rehabilitation of irrigation schemes to reduce the dependence on rainfall. This study therefore determined the factors influencing participation of farmers in small holder irrigation schemes in Swaziland, using Ntfonjeni Rural Development Area (RDA), as a case study. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 96 farming households, 48 participants of local irrigation scheme and 48 non participants. Data was collected using questionnaires. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and probit model. The study revealed that the participation in small holder irrigation schemes is significantly influenced by households distance to the scheme, age and occupation of household head, farm size and access to credit and membership in other groups. Participation improves ….
Effect Of Commercialization On Productive Capacity Among Cassava Producing Households In Ikwuano Local Government Area Of Abia State, Nigeria
OU OTEH, IN NWACHUKWU - SCIENTIFIC PAPERS, 2014
The study investigated factors affecting commercialization of cassava producing household in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of cassava household; determine commercialization index and analyzed factors that influence commercialization among cassava producing households. The study employed purposive sampling technique in the selection of 120 respondents from one local government area (LGA) based on characteristics of interest, nearness and other related features. The selection was done from 6 communities at the rate of 20 respondents per community. Analytically, descriptive statistics, household commercialization index (HCI), and multiple regression analysis were used. The results showed that the mean age of the cassava producing household was about 40 years with a mean farming experience of 14 years. They are mostly married with an average of 5 persons per households….
The Influence of Training Extension Workers On Farm Productivity: A Case Study Of Agra- Nairobi County, Kenya
AM Maina - 2014
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) works to achieve a food secure and prosperous Africa through the promotion of rapid, sustainable agricultural growth based mechanisms on smallholder farmers. In implementation of its vision, AGRA has faced a multitude of challenges in empowering the community. This is because it seeks to empower farmers in diverse locations and with varying cultures. Extension workers at AGRA are therefore constantly equipped with skills to address such a multivariate society. One of the leading challenges for organizations in the current day has been developing and implementing effective training programs to enhance farm productivity, sustainability and development. This study therefore sought to establish the influence of training extension workers on farm productivity. The type of training, mode of training and level of education of extension…