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TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE

TABLE OF CONTENT .....................................................................................................1

ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................5

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ..........................................................................6

CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................7

1.1 Background...............................................................................................................7

1.2 Objective.................................................................................................................10

1.3 Relevance of the Study ...........................................................................................11

1.4 Organization of Report ...........................................................................................11

CHAPTER TWO .............................................................................................................12

METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................12

2.1 Data Collection .......................................................................................................12

2.2 Sampling Technique ...............................................................................................12

2.3 Measurement of Household Income ...................................................................13

2.4 Data Analysis..........................................................................................................14

CHAPTER THREE..........................................................................................................15

SITUATION AND OUTLOOK ANALYSIS ................................................................. 15

3.1 Eco-demographic Characteristics .......................................................................15

3.2 Groundnut Production Systems in Ghana ..............................................................16

3.3 Groundnut Production Trends in Northern Ghana, 1992-2009..............................21

CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................26

EMPIRICAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...............................................................26

4.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................26

4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Household Heads................................................26

4.3 Institutional Factors affecting Groundnut Production............................................29

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4.4 Farm Characteristics of Groundnut Producers .......................................................31

4.4.1 Production of Groundnut based on Information Source ................................. 33

4.5 Soil Type and Perception of Soil Fertility..............................................................34

4.6 Seed Systems and Varieties of Groundnut under Cultivation................................36

4.7 Disposal of Harvested Groundnut ..........................................................................37

4.8 Market Information and Decision on Groundnut Production ................................38

4.9 Household Income and Expenditure Profile...........................................................39

4.10 Household Food Security among Groundnut Producers in Northern Ghana.........42

CHAPTER FIVE..............................................................................................................45

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................45

REFERENCES.................................................................................................................47

APPENDICES..................................................................................................................50

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 Sampling Frame for Groundnut Producers 13Table 3.1 Groundnut Varieties and Characteristics 17Table 4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Household Head 28Table 4.3 Institutional Factors affecting Groundnut Production 30Table 4.4 Farm Characteristics of Groundnut Production 32Table 4.4.1 Source of Information on Groundnut Production Decision 34Table 4.5 Soil Type and Perception of Soil Fertility 35Table 4.6 Farm Characteristics of Groundnut Production 37Table 4.7 Disposal of Harvested Groundnut 38Table 4.8 Market Information and Decision on Groundnut Production 39Table 4.9 Household Income Profile by Region 40Table 4.10 Household Expenditure Profile by Region 41

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Administrative Map of Ghana 16Figure 3.2 Trends in Groundnut Production (Northern Region), 1992-2009 22Figure 3.3 Trends in Groundnut Production (Upper East Region), 1992-2009 23Figure 3.4 Trends in Groundnut Production (Upper West Region), 1992-2009 24Figure 4.1 Household Income and Expenditure by Region (2012) 42Figure 4.2 Household Food Security and Response Strategy 43Figure 4.3 Strategies of Household Heads 44

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ABSTRACT

Groundnut production is considered as a commercial and subsistence venture for

majority of the inhabitants in northern Ghana. The crop is cultivated by most farm

households on marginal lands. Over the years, projects have been implemented to boost

the production of groundnut among the rural poor. Notable among the projects is the

Tropical Legume II which sought to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in

drought-prone areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia through grain legume

production and productivity. Lack of existing baseline information in the study area

motivated the study. Results of the study show that groundnut production in northern

Ghana has been fluctuating despite the large area under cultivation. A large proportion

of the sampled farm households continue to use traditional methods of farming despite

some improvement in agronomic practices. Results of the baseline study also show that

relatively vast area of land allocated for groundnut production do not necessarily

translate into higher productivity. The practices differ per the regions and majority of

the farmers use seeds saved from last cropping season. The groundnut seed system

requires immediate attention as well as investment in the breeding programmes to

upscale the use of improved seed for higher productivity.

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AGRA Alliance for a Green Revolution in AfricaAVCMP Agricultural Value Chain Mentorship ProjectCSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial ResearchFAO Food and Agriculture OrganizationFAOSTAT Food and Agriculture Organization StatisticsMoFA Ministry of Food and AgricultureMT Metric tonesNRGP Northern Rural Growth ProgrammeRSSP Rice Sector Support ProjectSARI Savanna Agricultural Research InstituteSHP Soil Health ProjectSSA Sub-Saharan AfricaSRID Statistical Research and Information DirectorateTL Tropical Legume

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is one of the most widely grown tropical legumes in the

world. It is grown in about 118 countries and occupies more than 22.6 million ha of

land. The average annual production is estimated at about 36.4 million MT, with

average yield of about 1610 kg per ha (FAOSTAT, 2010). The crop is grown by almost

all the SSA countries. The region occupies about 40% and nearly 25% of the world

groundnut area and production respectively. World groundnut production has shown a

steady increase over the years whereas the area expansion grew at a slower rate and

somewhat leveled off since the 1990s (FAOSTAT, 2010). Many countries have

remained strong producers for the domestic market despite the inability of SSA to

recapture its dominance in the export market. Countries like Nigeria, Senegal and

Ghana, for instance, are among the top ten global producers and occupy 12% of the

market as groundnuts continue to be an important food staple in many households

(Pazderka et. al., 2010).

The West Africa has experienced approximately 5 million metric tons of groundnuts in

the last five years (1997-2001) which represents 60% of the African continent's

groundnut production and 15% of world production. The production share of West

Africa has dropped from 23% to 15% of world production since 1961. Similarly export

share has also significantly decreased by more than 50% (from 55% to 20%) for

groundnut oil. For example, in Senegal, the share of groundnut oil has dropped from

35% to 12%, while in Nigeria the drop has been from 18% to 3%. However, since 1984,

groundnut production in West Africa has been rising by 6% annually mainly due to area

expansion. Yields are low and static (averaging 980 kg/ha) and lower than the world

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average (1390 kg/ha). In addition, vegetable oil imports from other crops have more

than doubled in West Africa. In monetary terms, groundnut exports account for only 3%

of the total palm and soybean oil imports in 1999/2000 (Workshop Report on

Development of Sustainable Groundnut Seed Systems in West Africa, 2003).

Population growth has been a primary factor in the demand for groundnut products in

Africa. Secondly the suitability of groundnut products to other products has also

contributed to the high demand. Groundnut oil competes directly with oil from

soybeans, sunflower and other sources such as palm and cotton oil. Competition

between groundnut meal and meal from other oilseeds and cereal-based products such

as gluten is equally important. Groundnut haulms (leaves and stems) for livestock

feeding also compete with cowpea dry fodder especially in semi-arid areas. It is by far

the most nutritive oil-seed used in West Africa. The kernels have an average fat and

protein content of 75% and an energy value of 360 kcal/100g, compared to 60% and

430 kcal/100 g for soybeans. However, groundnut is also significantly more expensive

than soybean. The selling price of groundnut is at least 30% higher than that of soybean.

For example in July 2001, the world market price of graded regular confectionary

groundnuts was US$800 per ton while that of soybeans was 190 US $/ton. The average

price per ton of groundnut oil was US$775, compared to US$325 for soybean oil. For

groundnut and groundnut products to become more competitive, prices must fall, which

can happen only if productivity and production increase (Workshop Report on

Development of Sustainable Groundnut Seed Systems in West Africa, 2003).

In Ghana, groundnut is mostly grown in the Coastal Savannah, Transition and Guinea

Savannah agro-ecologies. Groundnut cultivation is a major agricultural activity for the

people of the northern regions of Ghana. It is both a commercial and subsistence venture

for majority of the inhabitants. Groundnut production in Ghana nearly tripled from

168,200 tons in 1995 to 420,000 tons in 2005 and was primarily due to increase in the

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area under cultivation which increased from 180,400 ha in 1995 to 450,000 ha in 2005

(FAO, 2006). Average yields, however, continue to remain below 1.0 tons/ ha which is

far below the potential yields of 2.0-3.0 tons/ha (Asibuo et al., 2008). Pod yield of

groundnut crops in Ghana averages only 840 kg/ha, which is low, compared to yields of

2,500 kg/ha in developed countries (FAO, 2002; Nutsugah et al., 2007). In a typical

farming community in the north, more than 90% of farm families will cultivate

groundnut (Tsigbey and Clottey, 2003). These areas are relatively low in rainfall

compared to the high rainfall areas in the country. Groundnut production in Northern

Ghana is very pronounced and contributes about 92% of total national production

(Wumbei et al, 2000).

Groundnut production has the potential to contribute to food security especially in

northern Ghana in view of its ability to withstand drought. It is an important source of

income for most households as well as environmental sustainability. The crop plays an

important role in traditional ceremonies (funeral rites) and gift exchanges (Anchirinah et

al., 2001; Haleegoah et al., 2005). It is an important source of vegetable protein and oil

in sub-Saharan Africa. It can fix high amount of atmospheric nitrogen and enhances the

sustainability of the farming system in Ghana. Its haulm is used as fodder (Marfo et al

1999). Dried seeds are mixed with maize or plantains and then boiled. The seeds may

also be ground into flour and added to maize to enrich traditional preparations (Brink

and Belay, 2006).

Groundnut production serves as a major economic sustenance for most women living in

rural northern Ghana (Miller et. al., 2006). Women in rural areas engaged in agriculture

continue to experience low income due to lack of access to productive resources. The

empirical findings of their study conducted in Kalbeo revealed that lack of credit

support, transport limitations, inefficient groundnut marketing channels and systems,

restricted markets and marketing opportunities have contributed to limiting the

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realization of this potential of the rural woman. Technical and financial support can

immensely contribute to realizing the potential of these women engaged in groundnut

production.

According to (Anon, 2003, Dwiveli et al 2003), rosette virus is one of the most

devastating diseases of groundnut in Africa and Ghana and has the potential of

significantly reducing yield loss of up to 100%. Losses due to diseases can also be

attributed to the high percentage defoliation due to leaf diseases, which thus affect pod

filling and subsequent grain yield. Despite the challenges associated with the cultivation

of the crop, farmers continue to grow it on relatively large scale due to the anticipated

benefit derived from the production. The present study contributes to the groundnut

production literature in Ghana and West Africa at large by generating relevant

information on the production systems and socio-economic factors that impact on

-being.

1.2 Objective

The Tropical Legumes II project basically focuses on improving the livelihoods of

smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

through grain legume production and productivity. The issue of low yield and the

inability to fully harness the potential contribution of groundnut to the realization of

food security and poverty alleviation among others could be the justification for the

TLII project. The main objective of this study is to generate relevant information in

contribution to the enhancement of groundnut productivity and production in the three

selected districts of northern Ghana.

Specifically, the study will

1. Generate a baseline information of groundnut production systems in northern Ghana

which include:

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Characterization of the groundnut production systems in the identified

districts.

Description of the nature of and access to agricultural inputs and improved

technologies.

Determination of the factors that affect access to agricultural inputs.

Measurement of the current status of welfare indicators including income,

food security, etc.

1.3 Relevance of the Study

The study provides empirical evidence on the groundnut production systems in northern

Ghana. The information generated will inform policy issues on the variety of groundnut

to breed as well as facilitation of access to seed which is a major challenge among

smallholder farmers. The study will also contribute immensely to the groundnut

literature in Ghana. Finally, the findings of the study will influence investment decisions

of the private sector to up-scale the dissemination effort of reaching greater number of

farmers with technologies at a lower cost.

1.4 Organization of Report

The study which describes the groundnut sector in northern Ghana is organized into five

sections. Following the introductory section is the description of the methodology used

in achieving the overall objectives of the study. The situation and outlook of the

groundnut production systems in Northern Ghana is discussed in section three followed

by a detail description of the baseline information of the groundnut production system in

northern Ghana in section four. The conclusion of the study is summarized in section

five.

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CHAPTER TWO

METHODOLOGY

2.1 Data Collection

The core data for the study was obtained from a cross section of groundnut producing

households. This process of data collection consists of formal interviews with heads of

groundnut producing households. Information describing household and farm level

characteristics were captured. Other information collected was used to describe

household perception about the characteristics of groundnut based technologies and

expected benefits. Specifically data on livelihood assets, food security, seed source,

management practices, uptake of groundnut technologies, proportion and level of

groundnut marketable surplus, source and forms of credit were captured by the survey.

2.2 Sampling Technique

Desk study and secondary data sources is used to determine the groundnut producing

areas in Northern Ghana. Information on the major groundnut producing areas in

Northern Ghana obtained from the directorates of Ministry of Food and Agriculture

(MoFA) was useful in the identification of key groundnut producing districts and

communities. This guided the development of sample frame for the survey. The basic

sample frame for the survey was the major groundnut producing districts in the three

northern regions. The sampling procedures applied were therefore intended to generate

regionally representative sample which also covered the targeted areas of the project.

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Table 2.1: Sampling Frame for Groundnut Producing HouseholdsRegions Districts Communities HouseholdsNorthern 1 10 100Upper East 1 10 100Upper West 1 10 100Total 3 30 300

The sampling process combined purposive, stratified and random procedures in 3

stages. At the first stage, 3 groundnut producing districts (1 from Northern region; 1

from Upper East region; 1 from Upper West region) were purposively selected to

include major groundnut producing districts. These districts were selected based on the

area under groundnut cultivation in Northern Ghana. Within each district, the list of

groundnut producing communities was obtained from which the households were

randomly selected. Overall the study involved 300 groundnut producing households

drawn from 30 communities selected from 3 districts.

2.3 Measurement of Household Income

Farm income refers to the sum of all receipts from the sales of crops, livestock and other

farm related goods and services. Some studies have used the expenditure approach as a

proxy measurement of income due to the difficulty in obtaining income of farmers

especially in developing countries. For the purpose of this study, total household income

was measured as the total monetary value of income from all sources, (where

refers to individual farmer with sources of income and is the nth farmer). The total

income , is calculated as the stream of inflows from all sources (agricultural and non-

agricultural sources) specified as:

The calculation of the household daily per capita income is specified as follows:

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(2)

Where is the household size of the farmer.

The computation of the household daily per capita income serves as a basis to compare

the incomes across rice producing households on regional basis. It is also important to

draw implications on poverty status of the households.

2.4 Data Analysis

The study combined both qualitative and quantitative analytic tools. Analysis of the data

involved the use of descriptive statistics including frequencies and central tendencies to

describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the communities and the households. The

SPSS and STATA software is used for the analysis.

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CHAPTER THREE

SITUATION AND OUTLOOK ANALYSIS

3.1 Eco-demographic Characteristics

Northern Ghana refers to the three regions of Ghana, namely, Northern Region, Upper

East Region and Upper West Region (Figure 1). The three regions share borders with

Republic of Togo to the east, Ivory Coast to the west and Burkina Faso to the north.

Within the country, the northern Ghana is bordered by Volta region to south east and

Brong-Ahafo region to the south east. Geographically, the three regions are between

longitude 8o o o o

E. The three regions together cover total land area of 97,666 km² with an estimated

population of 3,317,478.

By virtue of their location the three northern regions fall within the Guinea and Sudan

Savannah agro-ecological zones. They are therefore characterized by a uni-modal

rainfall pattern which begins in April/May and ends in October/November. Recorded

annual rainfall ranges between 900 mm and 21000 mm. Groundnut producers in the

study area therefore benefit from a single crop cycle per annum which last for one half

of each year (Tsigbey and Clottey, 2003). Temperatures are high during most of the

year with the highest of about 42oC recorded in March. With the occurrence of global

warming and climate change these climatic patterns have become unpredictable and also

inclement. The results have been huge losses to agricultural production, livelihoods and

in some cases lives.

The savannah agro-ecology by its proximity to the Sahel, and the Sahara is much drier

than the southern part of Ghana. The vegetation is a typical guinea savannah type,

characterized by drought resistant grasses and trees. Collection and processing of fruits

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and seeds from these trees including mango trees, neem trees, shea tree and

Pakia biglobosa) trees in particular form an integral part of the livelihood

of rural households in the study area (Wiredu et al., 2010).

The three northern regions also play important role in agriculture and are normally

referred to as the grain basket of the country. More than 80 percent of the inhabitants of

northern Ghana are full time farmers. They are well noted for the production of grain

legumes such as groundnuts, bambara groundnut, cowpea and soy bean and all kinds of

cereal crops including rice, maize, millet and sorghum. They are also noted for the

production of some tuber and vegetable crops (MoFA/SRID, 2011).

Figure 3.1: Administrative Map of Ghana

3.2 Groundnut Production Systems in Ghana

Groundnut is grown in all agro-ecological zones in Ghana. Large quantity of production

is in the Guinea and Sudan savannah zones (SRID, 2011). The three (3) major districts

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in Northern Ghana with the highest area under groundnut cultivation are West

Mamprusi (Northern region), Bawku West (Upper East Region) and Nadowli district

(Upper west region) (SRID, 2010). However, smaller quantities are produced in all parts

of the country (Tweneboah, 2000). It is a major agricultural activity for the people of the

northern regions of Ghana. It is both a commercial and subsistence venture for majority

of the inhabitants (Tsigbey et al., 2004).

Table 3.1 shows the commercially cultivated groundnut varieties that have been

released from 1980-2005 and their characteristics.

Table 3.1 List of released groundnut varieties and characteristicsCrop/Botanical

NameName ofVariety

Date ofRelease

PreferredEcology

Characteristics(DUS)

Characteristics(VCU)

GroundnutArachis hypogeal

Nkatiesari 09/10/2005 It isadapted tothe Guineaand Sudansavannahecologiesof Ghana

It is a virginiabotanical typegroundnutcultivarpossessingalternatebranching pattern.It has an erectbunch habit, andmedium greenleaves. It maturesin 110 days. Thepods are typicallytwo-seeded,slightly beaked,and theconstrictionbetween the seedsis slight with seeda 100 seed weightof 50g, possessing lighttan testa color.Contains 46% oil.

It is mediummaturing. Has ahigh kernel yieldwith good freshseed dormancy. Itis resistant toearly and lateleafspotinfections causedby Cercosporaarachidicola S.Hori andCercosporidiumpersonatum(Berk. & Curt.)Deighton,respectively. It issuitable for oilextraction andgood for makingconfectioneryproducts.


Edorkpo-Munikpa

09/10/2005 Guinea andSudan

Virginia botanicalcultivar

Early maturityand suitable for

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savannahecologiesof Ghana

possessingalternatebranching habit. It has aspreading-bunchgrowth habit withmedium greenleaves.Matures in 90days.Yieldapproximately 2.0t/haThe pods aretypically two-seeded, slightlybeaked, and theconstrictionbetween the seedsis slight with a100 seed weightof 65 g. The seeds aremedium sizedwith a dark tantesta color.Contains 48% oil.

all ecologies innorthern Ghana. Suitable for oilextraction andconfectionaryproducts.Moderatelyresistant to earlyand late leaf spotinfections causedby Cercosporaarachidicola S.Hori andCercosporidiumpersonatum(Berk. & Curt.)Deighton,respectively.


Kpaniel 09/10/2005 Guineasavannahecology

Requires 120days to mature. Ithas an alternatebranching pattern.Pods are two-seeded andmoderatelybeaked with adeep constrictionbetween thekernels. Kernelshave red testacolor and a 100seed weight of 67g. The seed iscomposed of 51%oil.

High kernelyields (2.5 t/ha).Suitable forcommercial oilextraction.Resistant to earlyand late leaf spot.


Jusie Balin 09/10/2005 It has alternatebranching pattern.Pods are typicallytwo-seeded and

Early maturing. Resistant to leafspot infections.High yielding

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slightly beakedwith noconstrictionbetween thekernels. Kernelshave brown testacolor and a 100seed weight of 70g. The oil contentof the seed is46%.

(2.0 t/ha).Suitable for arange ofconfectioneryproducts.


Sinkarzei 1989 Matures in 102days. Thepotential yield is2.2 t/ha. Theseeds are red incolor and containabout 45% oil.

Early maturing. Suitable forcultivation in allecologies.Acceptable tablequality andsuitable for oilextraction.


Manipintar 1986 Requires 120days to mature. Potential yield of3.0 t/ha. Theseeds have a redtesta color.Kernels containabout 47% oil

High yielding andresistant to foliardiseases. Suitablefor commercialoil extraction.


F-mix 1986 Requires 120days to mature. Has high oilcontent (49%).The seed color istan withred/brown shades.

High yielding. Shows very highlevels ofresistance torosette, leaf spotand rust. Suitablefor oil extraction


Chinese 1980 Matures in 100days. The seedscontain 35% oil.

Early maturing. Suitable for soupand allconfectioneryproducts.

The area under groundnut cultivation ranges from less than one acre to more than 15

acres. It is purely rain-dependent cropping system. Groundnuts are never grown under

irrigation and are planted either in rows or staggered on plots and in some locations on

mounds to reduce plant population on the fields. Field preparation is most often done

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using tractors in large holdings whereas in smaller holdings bullock plough or hand

hoeing is the preferred method. Seeding is by hand and in most cases farmers use seed

from their own stock or purchase from the local market. There is however an evolving

formal seed sector that will regulate seed quality. The selection of any cultivar is

dependent on the rainfall regime in that location (Tsigbey and Clottey, 2003).

Harvesting and plucking of groundnut is done manually and in some cases after

harvesting the pods with the vines are carried home either by head, tractor or cart drown

using donkey. Groundnut harvesting can become very laborious in the event of the rains

ceasing early and in some instances farmers resort to carrying water from their homes to

irrigate the soil that has become hardened before-hand pulling. Severe pod loss often

takes place under such circumstances location (Tsigbey and Clottey, 2003).

According to the study by Tsigbey and Clottey, (2003), the cracking of the pods is

mainly done manually by hand and on a limited scale by the use of manually operated

Harvested groundnut is dried in the open air on the soil and left at the mercy of the

weather whereas after drying the produce is either stored in sacks or in specially

constructed structure made from thatch. Practices that improve the soil organic matter

status are not very common. Crop residues are usually carried off the field at the end of

the rainy season as feed for livestock. Free ranging cattle consume the residue left

behind and the annual bush fires waste the rest. Incorporating cow dung into the soil is

also difficult to realize, as cattle graze on the bush fields during the dry season in an

uncontrolled way and the cow dung is therefore not easy to gather. Transport of dung to

bush fields and the possible (re)introduction of weeds into the fields are two other

problems preventing farmers from the use of farmyard manure. It is more common to

use organic materials in the compound fields, because of its proximity to the living

quarters and the smaller area to apply the manure on. The only option left for short-term

fertility maintenance for the bush fields is an increased use of mineral fertilizers which

is beyond the reach of most farmers.

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In Ghana, the major constraint to groundnut production is disease incidence;

particularly, early leaf spot caused by Cercospora arachidicola and late leaf spot by

Phaeoisariopsis personata (Frimpong et al., 2006a). Both early and late leaf spots

diseases are widely distributed and occur in epidemic proportions in northern Ghana

(Nutsugah et al., 2007a). Epidemics of early and late leaf spots on susceptible

groundnut genotypes can cause complete defoliation, which drastically can reduce

yields (Shew et al., 1995).

3.3 Groundnut Production Trends in Northern Ghana, 1992-2009

Figure 3.2 below shows the average annual production of groundnut in the Northern

region of Ghana. The northern region has been experiencing an increase in annual

production of groundnut from 1992 to 2003 until the period 2004 2007 where there

was a decrease in annual production. Area under cultivation increased from 46,400 ha to

218,360 ha from 1992 to 2003. Beyond 2007, there has been an exponential increase in

the volume of production. The peak production of 213,943 MT occurred in the year

2009 with a corresponding area of 126,481 ha. The data shows a positive growth rate in

the volume of production over the period under consideration. Area under cultivation

coupled with good yield accounts for the observed growth in the volume of production.

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Figure 3.2: Trends in Groundnut Production (Northern Region), 1992-2009

Annual groundnut production in the Upper East region has been fluctuating over the

entire period (1990 2009) under review (Figure 3.3). The peak production of 161,350

MT was recorded in 2006 with a corresponding area of 173,792 ha, the highest over the

entire study period. A sharp decrease in production occurs between 2006 and 2007. The

year 2007 witnessed the lowest production volume of 48,772 MT. Area under

cultivation decreased by 76% between 2006 and 2007.

Pro

duct

ion

Vol

ume

(MT

)

Year

23

Figure 3.3: Trends in Groundnut Production (Upper East Region), 1992-2009

Figure 3.4 show that groundnut production volumes in the Upper West region have

witnessed consistent increase for the past 15 years (1992 2006). The data shows a

positive growth rate in the production volumes over the study period. Area under

groundnut has also witnessed positive growth from 1992 to 2009. The peak production

of 200,712 MT was recorded in 2009 with a corresponding area of 125,500 ha, the

highest recorded over the study period.

Pro

duct

ion

Vol

ume

(MT

)

Year

24

Figure 3.4: Trends in Groundnut Production (Upper West Region), 1992-2009

Comparatively, the production volume of groundnut in the Upper East is higher than the

production volumes of Northern and Upper west region within the period 1992 2002.

The production volumes in all the three northern regions witnessed a decline in 2007

and an increase in production beyond 2007 with the exception of Upper east which has

been fluctuating. Area under groundnut cultivation for Upper West is the lowest over

the entire study period relative to Northern and Upper East region (Appendix 1).

However, Northern region has witnessed the highest decline in terms of area under

cultivation between 2003 and 2007. This finding may be attributed to the competition

between crops in terms of what the farmer considers to be profitable. Diseases and pest

can also be attributed to the decline. The Upper West region records the highest yield

over the entire study period despite the relatively smaller area under cultivation

(Appendix 2). Use of improved varieties coupled with good management practices may

have contributed to the high yields.

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Pro

duct

ion

Vol

ume

(MT

)

Year

25

In conclusion, groundnut production in Northern Ghana has been fluctuating despite the

large area under cultivation. Area under cultivation and management practices have

accounted for this fluctuations in production volumes over the entire study period. Yield

is higher in the Upper West Region relative to the other two regions. Groundnut

production has the potential of contributing largely to food security in Northern Ghana.

26

CHAPTER FOUR

EMPIRICAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

This section provides a brief description of the demographic, agricultural landholding,

farm characteristics, access to labour and credit, seed systems, marketing, income,

expenditure and food security of groundnut producers based on regional disaggregation.

4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Household Heads

The average age of a groundnut producing household head is 43. This implies that

farmers in Northern Ghana can be described as relatively young which is lower than the

national average of 50 years. According to Polson and Spencer, (1992) younger

household heads are more dynamic with regards to adoption of innovations such as

groundnut technologies. The result also indicates that farmers can work productively for

the next two (2) decades, hence with the right investment; the future of groundnut

production in Northern Ghana looks very positive. However, producers of groundnut in

the Upper regions are older than that of the Northern Region by five (5) years. Majority

(91.6%) of the household heads are married. Marriage is a highly cherished custom

among the people in Northern Ghana thus the low percentage (1.3%) of unmarried

household heads. Widowed and separated household heads form 6.3% and 0.8% of the

sample population respectively. The importance attached to marriage makes it common

for girls to betrothed for marriage at a very young age. Northern and Upper west regions

recorded a relatively higher percentage of married household heads (Table 4.2).

The percentage of household heads in Northern Ghana who are unschooled is 69%

whereas 25% have had basic education. Lack of education is one of the major

challenges facing most household heads in Northern Ghana. The result has implication

27

for technology uptake and working with farmer groups. Uneducated farmers will not be

able to read instruction manual as well as label on seed, agrochemical and fertilizer.

Only 0.4% of the sample population has tertiary education. Based on the regional

disaggregation, illiteracy rate is higher among farmers in Upper east region (Table 4.2).

Wiredu et al, (2010) in their study on the characterization of maize producing

households in the Northern Region of Ghana, reported that there is a low level of

literacy with only 6.41% of the farm households having some level of formal education.

A typical groundnut household in northern Ghana consists of 11 members which is

relatively high. Household members serve as a source of family labour and the

economic active members also contribute significantly towards household income

which is consistent with Al-Hassan, (2008) findings that large household sizes ensure

adequate supply of family labour for maize and cassava production activities. Large

families also enable household members to earn additional income from non-farm

activities. Households with majority of the members who are economically inactive may

also increase the household demand on food thus increasing the household expenditure.

The high expenditure may also impacts negatively on the sustainability of technology

uptake as well as improvement in the livelihood of the household members with respect

to education.

Decision making about farming activities was found to be dominated by the household

head. It is normal among many farm households to accede power of decision to the head

of the family. The heads of family are mostly male-dominated. Females only become

household heads in the absence of adult male. However, the situation was different for

the Upper east region. Major farm decision was jointly taken by the head and spouse.

The average years of farming experience for a typical groundnut producer is 25 years.

Specifically, the result also revealed that respondents have on the average 15 years of

farming experience in groundnut production. Based on the regional disaggregation,

groundnut producing household heads in Northern and Upper west regions are relatively

28

more experienced in groundnut production than those in the Upper east (Table 4.2).

Experience plays a major role in the uptake of technology and participation in

agricultural development projects. According to Martey et al, (2012), experienced

household heads are able to take better production decisions and have greater contacts

which allow trading opportunities to be discovered at lower cost.

Table 4.2: Demographic Characteristics of Household Head

Characteristics Northern Upper East Upper West Total

Age 40 45 45 43Gender (%)

MaleFemale

5.8094.20

61.1038.90

15.0085.00

29.4070.60

Marital Status of HH head (%)MarriedSinglewidowedSeparated

97.101.901.000.00

85.301.10

13.700.00

92.500.002.505.00

91.601.306.300.80

Level of Education (%)No Formal EducationBasic (Primary/Middle/JHS)SecondaryPost-secondaryTertiary

69.9025.204.900.000.00

73.7021.103.202.100.00

55.0032.507.502.502.50

68.9024.804.601.300.40

Household Size (Number) 15 8 8 11Main Farming Decision Maker (%)

HH headSpouseChildrenHead and Spouse Spouse and ChildrenJoint Decision

67.601.000.00

20.603.906.90

35.202.303.40

51.100.008.00

60.000.002.502.005.00

12.50

53.901.301.70

32.202.608.30

Years of Farming experience (Years) 28 21 29 25Experience in groundnut production (Years) 17 11 21 15Principal Activity of HH heads (%)

NoneAgricultureRearingCommerceHandicraftEmployeeOther

6.991.1

01.000

1.0

6.390.51.11.10

1.10

5.0900

2.52.500

6.490.70.41.30.40.40.4

Off -farm Income Activity (%)Petty tradingTeachingMasonry/ CarpentaryArt and CraftDrivingFitting MechanicFarm LabourOtherNA

42.61.0303303

44.6

17.91.13.200

1.14.2

11.661.10

27.80

2.82.800

2.82,8

61.1

30.20.93.00.41.31.72.26.5

53.9

29

Agriculture is the principal activity for 91% of the sampled population (Table 4.2). The

result is similar to all the three regions. Agriculture is the mainstay of the rural

economy from which majority derives their livelihood due to the low level of education.

A study by Wayo, (2002) shows that agricultural sector is the major source of

occupation for about 47 percent of the economically active age group of Ghanaians. It is

possible that some farmers engaged in other income earning activities as secondary

source of income to supplement household food requirement. The result of the study

deviated from the conclusion that most farmers are involved in off-farm activities as

secondary to supplement household food requirement. Majority (54%) of the farmers

were not engaged in other activities whereas 30% were engaged in petty trading.

Diversification of income source is a strategy to overcome the high risk associated with

farming. Most smallholder farmers do not diversify their income source and thus

impacts negatively on their welfare. Access to alternate income source can serve as

another source of finance for farm operations particularly for subsistent farmers (Wiredu

et al., 2010).

4.3 Institutional Factors affecting Groundnut Production

Membership of cooperative or producer organization enables farmers to receive

agricultural support and also collaborate for joint activities like bulk purchasing and

group marketing. Majority (82%) of the groundnut farmers were non-members of

farmer organization/cooperative (Table 4.3). The result was similar across the region

with Northern region recording the highest percentage of non-membership. Most

farmers belong to farmer based organization due to the support they receive. Support

from most agricultural development projects are tied to membership of farmer based

organization. Alternatively, high non-membership may be attributed to phasing out of

agricultural projects and inability of these projects to meet the expected needs of these

farmers. The study further revealed that 69% of the respondents asserted that

cooperative or producer organizations are not active in current times (Table 4.3).

30

Notably among the benefits derived from being a member of a cooperative or producer

organization are input support, processing services, cash credit, bulking services,

transport services, in-kind and machinery services. According to Uaiene et al, (2009)

membership in an association is a main determinant of technology adoption which

serves as a proxy for unobserved management skill on the part of the farmer assuming

that more skilled farmers are simultaneously more likely to form jointly beneficial

associations, obtain credit, and adopt new technologies. Also in context of agricultural

innovations, farmers share information and learn from each other through networking

which affect individual decisions (Foster and Rosenzweig 1995; Conley and Udry

2000). The input support was the major benefit derived from farmer based organization.

Provision of input support to farmers per agricultural development projects demands

that farmers organize themselves into groups. Farmers in Upper East belonging to a

cooperative benefits mostly from processing services (Table 4.3).

Table 4.3: Institutional Factors affecting Groundnut Production


Member of cooperative/producer organizationNoYes

91.908.10

73.4026.60

81.6018.40

82.1017.90

Activeness of cooperative in current timesNoYesNA

90.701.208.10

44.7027.7027.70

81.607.90

10.50

69.3013.8017.00

Support from Cooperative/ ProducerOrganization

Input SupportMachinery ServicesEquipmentCredit in KindCash CreditCollection ServicesSelection/Packaging of productsProcessing ServicesStorage ServicesMarketing ServicesTransportation of outputs/products

11.100.000.00

11.100.000.000.000.000.000.000.00

8.904802.307.10

19.6015.202.40

21.200.002.302.40

25.0012.504.204.204.208.300.004.200.002.302.40

13.806.002.307.10

11.8010.201.20

12.800.006.208.90

31

4.4 Farm Characteristics of Groundnut Producers

The average total landholding of a household head in northern Ghana is 17.58 acres

with 4.95 acres under groundnut cultivation. Based on regional disaggregation, Upper

West region controls a large area of land which is 9.42 acres more than the average for

the three regions. Farmers in Northern region cultivate an average area of 6.91 acres

under groundnut (Table 4.4). It can therefore be concluded that groundnut production is

more dominant in terms of area under production in Northern region relative to the other

two regions.

Distance is an important variable which

and information. It has a major effect on adoption of technology. A typical farmer in

northern Ghana travels a distance of 10.67 km from the homestead to the farm. The

distance travelled by farmers in the Upper East from the homestead to the farm on the

in the Upper East is relatively far from the homestead. On the average, groundnut

producers travel a distance of 7.56 km, 5.63 km and 6.67 km from their groundnut field

to nearest market, fertilizer shop, and seed shop respectively (Table 4.4). Distance to

fertilizer shop has influence on the use of fertilizer by most smallholder farmers. The

Agricultural Value Chain Mentorship Project (AVCMP) was designed as one of its

objectives to address the current situation where farmers have to travel longer distances

to access inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. Complementary to the AVCMP, is the

AGRA Soil Health Project which also aims at promoting Integrated Soil Fertility

Management (ISFM) in Northern Ghana. The regional result showed that farmers in the

Upper East region travel a relatively longer distance of 8.34 km from their farm to the

nearest market whilst farmers belonging to the Northern region travel a distance of 7.25

km and 7.35 km from their groundnut field to fertilizer and seed shop respectively

(Table 4.4).

32

The average distance travelled by farmers form their farms to access an agricultural

extension agents in Northern Ghana is 6.67 km. The situation is more severe among

farmers in the Northern region who travel a distance of 9.17 km to access agricultural

due to the distance of travel impacts negatively on their production The agricultural

extension agents in the various districts are poorly resourced which affects their

mobility. Radio is the most frequent source of extension message to farmers in Northern

and Upper East regions. However, agricultural extension agents were found to be the

most frequent source of extension information to farmers in Upper West region (Table

4.4).

Table 4.4: Farm Characteristics of Groundnut Production


Total land holding (acres) 20.25 8.88 27.00 17.58Area under groundnut cultivation (acres) 6.91 2.69 4.94 4.95Distance from farm to house (km) 3.52 19.11 8.68 10.67Distance from groundnut farm to nearest market (km) 7.36 8.34 6.29 7.56Distance from groundnut farm to fertilizer shop (km) 7.25 2.82 5.18 5.63Distance from groundnut farm to Seed shop (km) 7.35 2.71 5.49 6.67Distance from groundnut farm to extension (km) 9.17 3.17 4.93 6.67Accessibility to more land for cultivation

No Yes

0.00100.00

21.7078.30

7.4092.60

10.8089.20

Frequent source of extension messagesNoneAgric. Extension StaffExtension BulletinsRadio

0.000.00

18.8081.20

16.0076.004.004.00

0.0066.700.00

33.30

3.1032.3011.0053.50

Finance of Groundnut ProductionOwn SavingsLoanGrantCredit from buyers

98.905.300.000.00

90.0023.202.002.00

92.505.700.002.90

94.4010.800.601.10

Finally, production of groundnut in northern Ghana is primarily financed by farmers

own savings followed by loan from both formal and informal sources in that order.

Grant as a source of farm investment is uncommon in the study area. Generally

33

accessing formal credit from the financial institution is very difficult due to the high

collateral demand by the bank as well as the high interest charges. In situation where the

conditions are slightly relaxed, farmers are encouraged to form groups to access credit

which is a challenge due to the different level of understanding of the group members.

Other informal sources like money lenders also charge relatively higher interest on

credit.

4.4.1 Production of Groundnut based on Information Source

The study documented myriads of information sources per the decision of farmers to

cultivate groundnut in northern Ghana. It was inferred from the result that decision by

farmers in Northern Ghana to engage in groundnut production were influenced by

neighbouring farmers, family members/friends, radio programmes, demonstration plots,

buyers/buyer agents, seminar/workshops and printed materials in the order of most

important to the least important (Table 4.4.1). Most of the farmers are illiterate thus the

production. Farmers are able to easily connect and relate to their neighbouring farmers

than formal sources. It is important that agricultural extension agents are well resourced

to effectively engage farmers in technical and business training to ensure that the right

agricultural information are disseminated to other farmers.

34

Table 4.4.1 Source of Information on Groundnut Production Decision


Printed MaterialVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

4.8027.4056.008.303.60

24.501.90

67.900.005.70

33.3044.4013.905.602.80

16.8023.1050.905.204.00

Radio ProgrammesVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

0.006.90

10.9039.6042.60

25.903.70

68.500.001.90

7.707.70

12.8038.5033.30

8.806.20

27.3028.4029.40

Buyers/Buyer agentsVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

0.005.30

20.2043.6030.90

22.801.80

64.901.808.80

5.107.70

12.8066.707.70

7.904.70

32.1035.8019.50

Demonstration Plots/FarmersVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

2.1014.4023.7029.9029.90

22.001.70

62.700.00

13.60

15.4035.9010.3023.1015.40

10.8014.9032.8019.5022.10

Neighbouring FarmersVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

2.204.30

16.1043.0034.40

15.702.40

38.600.00

43.40

0.000.00

15.2057.6027.30

7.202.90

24.9028.2036.80

Family Members/FriendsVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

3.204.30

34.4029.0029.00

14.801.10

37.502.30

44.30

0.007.90

13.2060.5018.40

7.303.70

32.0023.7033.30

Seminar/WorkshopsVery unimportantUnimportantIndifferent/UndecidedImportantVery important

3.6024.1051.8015.704.80

25.901.90

64.801.905.60

18.4028.9015.8018.4018.40

13.7018.3048.0012.008.00

4.5 Soil Type and Perception of Soil Fertility

The soil plays a critical role in the production of groundnut. The study revealed that

majority (46%) of the farmers perceives that the dominant soil in northern Ghana for the

35

production of groundnut is black loam followed by sandy type. Conversely, the soil in

Upper west is sandy dominated (Table 4.5). The fertility of the soil has implication on

the use of fertilizer and water conservation. Most (46%) of the soils in the study area are

slightly sloped but the topography of soils in Northern and Upper east regions are flat in

nature (Table 4.5). The slope of the soil determines the rate at which nutrient is lost

through the process of surface run-off. Most of the top soils have been washed away due

to the topography of the land.

Table 4.5: Soil Type and Perception of Soil Fertility


Predominant soil type for household cultivationBlack LoamRed LoamClay Sandy Rocky

41.0020.002.00

37.000.00

57.3033.304.204.201.00

28.2017.902.60

51.300.00

45.5025.103.00

26.000.40

Predominant slope of the land household cultivatesFlatSlight SlopeModerate SlopeSteep Slope

64.4019.808.906.90

20.8079.200.000.00

57.5032.5010.000.00

45.6046.005.503.00

Perception of soil for traditional cropsVery PoorPoorNeither Good nor BadGoodVery Good

10.4019.803.10

38.5028.10

1.1015.2029.3046.707.60

0.0010.500.00

81.607.90

4.8016.4013.3049.1016.40

Perception of soil for groundnut productionVery PoorPoorNeither Good nor BadGoodVery Good

10.9027.705.90

44.6010.90

15.9013.4052.4012.206.10

5.1017.9010.3061.505.10

11.6020.7023.9035.608.10

Perception of Soil for growing other cropsVery PoorPoorNeither Good nor BadGoodVery Good

7.9034.704.00

38.6014.90

17.9010.7047.6023.800.00

7.705.10

17.9066.702.60

11.6020.5022.8037.907.10

northern

Ghana are good for growing traditional crops, groundnut and other crops. Whilst some

36

are indifferent about the soil type, others also opined that their soils are characterized by

poor fertility. Farmers in Northern region reported that their soils are very good for the

production of groundnut relative to the soils in the Upper regions (Table 4.5). The

AGRA Soil Health Project which is being implemented by Savanna Agricultural

Research Institute promotes the use of integrated soil fertility management to address

the problem of poor soil fertility which is typical with most soils in Northern Ghana

(MoFA, 2010). The project is at the final stage of implementation. Farm demonstrations

on the use of fertilizer, farmers learning centers as well as advancement of input credit

were among the strategies employed by the project to promote effective use of mineral

fertilizer in Northern Ghana. It will be expedient to build upon the project.

4.6 Seed Systems and Varieties of Groundnut under Cultivation

The quality of seed used by famers plays a major role in the agricultural production

system. Lower yields have been recorded by farmers due to the use of inferior seeds

from the inception of production. Recycling of seed continued to be the main practice

by majority of farmers. The result indicated that 78% of farmers rely on groundnut

4.6). The regional result also showed a similar finding especially in the Upper regions.

However, farmers in Northern region relied on neighbouring farmers for groundnut seed

as the second option of seed acquisition. Fellow farmers constitute the predominant

source of information on improved groundnut seeds followed by radio discussions and

MoFA extension agents.

There are about five main varieties of groundnut cultivated by farmers in northern

resu

Northern and Upper east

37

Northern region whereas completely absent in the Upper regions.

Table 4.6: Farm Characteristics of Groundnut Production


Source of Groundnut Seed

Free seed from neighbourFree seed from governmentPurchased from seed company Purchased from another farmer Purchased from marketPurchased at a seed fair

76.8011.700.001.105.305.300.00

85.400.000.000.000.00

13.501.00

63.205.302.600.00

10.5018.400.00

78.105.700.400.403.90

11.000.40

Predominant source of information on improvedgroundnut seed

Fellow farmerLocal retail shopMoFA extension agentsRadio

Other (Project)

31.400.008.60

57.102.900.00

88.900.00

11.100.000.000.00

41.208.80

35.3011.800.000.80

61.402.30

16.7018.200.800.80

Varieties of groundnuts currently growingAbanyeChineseDapangoKusasumaMalimbo

1.0016.8081.200.001.00

0.001.00

94.804.200.00

0.00100.000.000.000.00

0.4024.5073.001.700.40

4.7 Disposal of Harvested Groundnut

The average production volume of groundnut was 23 bags (100kg) out of which 17 bags

were sold. Quantity consumed on the average by a household was 2 bags. Production

volume and sale was higher in Northern region than in the Upper regions. Upper west

region recorded the low level of household consumption of groundnut. Postharvest loss

of groundnut due to storage was absent among in northern region (Table 4.7). Some

projects have demonstrated storage practices to farmers. However, there may still be the

need for further education and training on good storage practices.

38

Table 4.7: Disposal of Harvested Groundnut


Quantity of Groundnut Produced (bags) 40.00 6.80 12.00 22.50Quantity of Groundnut Consumed (bags) 2.20 2.20 1.40 2.00Quantity of Groundnut Sold (bags) 30.30 4.60 5.90 17.40Quantity of Groundnut Gift (bags) 2.40 0.70 0.50 1.30Quantity of Groundnut Seed(bags) 7.90 1.30 4.50 4.90Quantity of Groundnut Loss (bags) 0.00 0.20 0.30 0.20

4.8 Market Information and Decision on Groundnut Production

Record keeping was a major challenge amongst smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana

due to the low level of literacy. Most interventions (Millennium Challenge Account

Program, Northern Rural Growth Programme, Agricultural Value Chain Mentorship

Programme, AGRA Soil Health Project, Rice Sector Support Project etc.) in the regions

sought to intensify education of farmers on record keeping. The result indicated that 5%

of the farmers record information on market price (Table 4.8). The result has serious

implication on policy formulation.

Producers of groundnut in Northern Ghana rely mostly on radio, local market, extension

agents and other farmers for information on market price of groundnut. Local market

was the dominant source of information on market price across all the three regions.

Farmers in Upper west and Northern regions depends more on both local market and

agricultural extension agents for information on market price of groundnut. Radio is

also used mostly in Upper West region. In Upper east, other farmers are the main source

of information on market price (Table 4.8).

Decision on market price was jointly taken by the farmer and buyer through the process

of negotiation. Consequently, farmers in Northern region mostly determined the price of

groundnut. This is only possible especially where farmers are engaged in group

marketing. Community market was the most preferred market outlet for majority

(44.3%) of farmers for the sale of groundnut in Northern Ghana. Town market was

39

however, the most preferred market outlet for majority (58.9%) of farmers in Upper east

region for sale of groundnut (Table 4.8). In terms of market contact, farmers served as

the preferred choice by majority (76.20%) of the groundnut producers. Information with

respect to marketing and production are easily shared among farmers.

Table 4.8: Market Information and Decision on Groundnut Production


Record of market priceNoYes

97.003.00

93.606.40

92.507.50

94.805.20

Source of information on market priceRadioTVLocal MarketExtension AgentsOther Farmers

10.705.80

74.7059.400.00

0.000.00

10.000.00

20.60

72.700.00

96.7086.4044.40

33.304.80

88.5065.5014.30

Decision on priceFarmer Buyer Both

36.1030.9033.00

0.0014.0086.00

0.0035.0065.00

15.2024.8060.00

Preference of sale of produceProcessing PlantOn-farmCommunity MarketTown MarketCity MarketOther

7.0017.0047.0021.008.000.00

2.201.10

37.8058.900.000.00

5.000.00

52.5035.005.002.50

4.807.80

44.3038.304.300.40

Market contactFarmerNeighbour Other farmerExtension Others

64.0020.0016.000.000.00

92.603.204.200.000.00

67.505.00

22.502.502.50

76.2010.6012.300.400.50

4.9 Household Income and Expenditure Profile

The household income profile of the sampled groundnut producing households per

region is presented in Table 4.9. On the whole, the daily per capita income of the

sampled groundnut producers was less than USD 1 across the three regions. Groundnut

contributed nearly 32% of the total household income. This was followed by incomes

from sale of cereal grains, petty trading, livestock/fishing, sales of cereal seeds and sales

from groundnut seeds in that order. Generally, petty trading as a non-agricultural

40

activity contributed 19% of the total household income. Based on the regional

differentiation, contribution of groundnut, cereal grains and petty trading to total

household income was higher among farmers in the Northern region relative to farmers

in the Upper regions. Livestock/fishing and cereal seeds contributed 23% and 37% to

the total household income for Upper east and Upper west regions respectively.

Table 4.9: Household Income Profile by RegionCharacteristics Northern Upper East Upper West Total

Total Income ( 8377.09 2399.52 2191.26 5168.56

Daily per Capita Income ( 1.53 0.82 0.75 1.28

Distribution of Income by Sources

Total Agriculture 6932.89(82.76)

1990.14(82.94)

1847.17(84.30)

4198.59(81.23)

Sale of cereal grains 1867.37(22.29)

409.23(17.05)

271.36(12.38)

1096.14(21.21)

Sale of cereal seeds 390.07(4.66)

321.14(13.38)

800(36.51)

358.84(6.94)

Sale of groundnut 2558.2(30.54)

448.5(18.69)

432.19(19.72)

1650.93(31.94)

Sale of groundnut seeds 516.11(6.16)

247.74(10.32)

100.91(4.61)

340.05(6.58)

Sale of livestock/fishing 1601.14(19.11)

563.53(23.49)

242.71(11.08)

752.63(14.56)

Non-agricultural

Petty trading 1444.2(17.24)

409.38(17.06)

344.09(15.70)

969.97(18.77)

Values in parenthesis are in percentage

The household expenditure profile of groundnut producing households per region is

presented in Table 4.10. On the whole, the daily per capita expenditure of the sampled

groundnut producers was less than USD 1 across the three regions. The possible reason

may be the lower per capita income as recorded by the study. For the overall sample, it

can be inferred that fuel contributes largely (21%) to the total household expenditure

which was followed by housing/rent, education, transport, staple foods, remittances,

clothing, medical and alcohol and tobacco in that order. Comparatively, significant

41

variation exists in the contributions of the various items to the total expenditure per the

regions. Fuel contributes 22% of the total expenditure for Northern region whereas in

Upper east and Upper west, it contributes about 7% and 11% respectively. However,

education and staple food contributed 24% and 33% of the household total expenditure

of the Upper east and Upper west regions respectively.

Table 4.10: Household Expenditure Profile by RegionCharacteristics Northern Upper East Upper West Total

Total Expenditure 8126.53 1418.62 1434.46 4403.25

Daily per Capita Expenditure ( 1.48 0.49 0.49 1.01

Distribution of Expenditure by Sources

Expenditure on staple foods 661.09(8.135)

251.14(17.70)

477.65(33.30)

473.39(10.75)

Expenditure on alcohol/tobacco 440.8(5.42)

66.79(4.71)

93.67(6.53)

112.15(2.55)

Expenditure on education 1279.64(15.75)

337.07(23.76)

279.42(19.48)

756.08(17.17)

Expenditure on medical 459.64(5.66)

155.3(10.95)

103.06(7.18)

247.53(5.62)

Expenditure on clothing 464.85(5.72)

142.1610.02

87.03(6.07)

266.83(6.06)

Expenditure on fuel 1783.51(21.95)

95.16(6.71)

158.75(11.07)

929.87(21.12)

Expenditure on remittances 413.76(5.09)

86.36(6.09)

117.5(8.19)

337.04(7.65)

Expenditure on transport 970.27(11.94)

99.29(7.00)

41.88(2.92)

484.56(11.00)

Expenditure on housing/rent 1652.97(20.34)

185.35(13.07)

75.5(5.26)

795.8(18.07)

Values in parenthesis are in percentage

Comparatively, household income was higher than the household expenditure for all the three regions.

Northern region leads with regard to income and expenditure (Figure 4.1). Household savings may

account for the difference in terms of income and expenditure.

42

Figure 4.1: Household Income and Expenditure by Region (2012)

4.10 Household Food Security among Groundnut Producers in Northern Ghana

Household food security is a major challenge in Northern Ghana as a result of the long

period of dry season. Food becomes scarce especially in the dry season for which

farmers respond with myriads of strategies. Figure 4.2 showed that for periods of

abundance of food, farmers consume on the average three square meals a day. During

the period of average food availability and lean period, groundnut producers in the

Upper regions consume two meals a day. Nonetheless, farmers in the Northern region

maintain the same number of meals irrespective of the periods of food availability. The

average number of months in a year food was reduced by producers in Northern region

was 4 whilst it was 3 and 2 for farmers in the Upper east and Upper west regions

respectively. Reduction in food intake is one of the numerous strategies of farm

households to overcome the food insecurity situation that confronts them. The strategy

ensured that food was available throughout the period of dry season.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

Northern Upper East Upper West Total

Region

Total Income

Total Expenditure

43

Figure 4.2: Household Food Security and Response Strategy

Figure 4.3 showed the different strategies of household heads to mitigate the condition

of food insecurity in Northern Ghana. The most dominating strategy adopted by

majority (62%) of the household heads in Northern Ghana is the sale of animals

followed by sale of food. However, other strategies included sale of farm implements,

household goods, land and trees. Most households in Northern Ghana diversify which is

common amongst most smallholder farmers to overcome the risk associated with

agriculture and food security as a whole. Sale of animals is the commonest among the

strategies.

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

No. of meals/day forperiod of abundance

No. of meals/day forperiod of average

availability

No. of meals/day forlean period

No. of month foodreduced

Num

ber

Response

Region NR

Region UE

Region UW

Region Total

44

Figure 4.3: Strategies of Household Heads

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Hou

seho

ldH

ead

(%)

Property Sold

Kind of Property Sold tobuy Food (%) No

Kind of Property Sold tobuy Food (%) Yes

45

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The groundnut baseline study in Northern Ghana was successfully implemented by

Savanna Agricultural Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial

Research (CSIR-SARI) with ICRISAT providing financial support. The situation

analysis reveals that groundnut production in Northern Ghana has been fluctuating

despite the large area under cultivation. Area under cultivation and management

practices have accounted for this fluctuations in production volumes over the entire

study period. Most of the agricultural practices from planting to post-harvest continues

to be a challenge though there are improvement in some of the practices.

The baseline study also revealed exciting results which require the attention of the major

stakeholders to ensure the promotion and sustainability of the crop in Northern Ghana.

Groundnut production is more dominant in terms of area under production in Northern

region. Variations exist in the production practices of groundnut per the regions. The

seed systems must be given much attention for the sustainability of the crop. In spite of

all the challenges associated with the production, the crop has the potential of

contributing largely to the food security situation in the area, therefore the need for

urgent and sustainable government policy formulation in overcoming the identified

constraints associated with the production.

Future studies must target the value chain of the groundnut sub-sector in Ghana.

Specifically, the general seed system, production, processing, commercialization and

post-production activities as well as the supporting institutions must be critically

examined to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the value chain. Finally, study on

the patterns and determinants of adoption of improved groundnut technologies in

46

Northern Ghana will contribute immensely to good policy formulation in the groundnut

sector.

47

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Tsigbey, F.K., Clottey, V.A. (2003). Groundnut production methods in Northern Ghanaand some disease perspectives. Proceedings of Sod Based Cropping SystemsConference, North Florida Research and Education Center-Quincy,University of Florida, Feb. 20-21, 2003.

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Wiredu, A. N. Buah SSJ, SK Nutsugah, RAL Kanton, IDK Atokple, W Dogbe, ASKarikari, A Amankwah, C Osei, O Ajayi and K Ndiaye (2011). Enhancing

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50

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Trends in Area under Cultivation, 1992-2009

Appendix 2: Trends in Yield, 1992-2009

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Appendix 3: Pictures of Groundnut and Fields

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