Sustainability assessment of rainfed maize production systems in the Tano North District

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Date
2015-11-04
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Abstract
Maize production in Ghana is mostly done under rainfed conditions in almost all the agro-ecological zones, predominantly by smallholder farmers. This is characterized by low yield of 1.88 t/ha as compared to the potential yields of 5.5 t/ha as reported by the Crops Research Institute (CRI), Kumasi, Ghana. In order to improve and sustain yield in the wake of climate variability and change, rainfed maize production practices and sustainability need to be assessed. However, sustainable maize production is not only a question of yields but also of protecting the environmental resource base through suitable and environmental conscious agronomic practices, inputs use and management of agro-chemicals. Data on maize production practices were obtained from smallholder farmers and MoFA officials in the Tano North District. Factors such as land preparation methods, maize variety, planting methods, weed control, disease and pest control, fertilizer type and application, yield, extension and rainfall characteristics that affect maize production were assessed. Additionally, rainfall data from 1993-2012 were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Sunyani. The data obtained were analysed to obtain percentage response, frequency, and mean; and using simulated rainfall data to obtain onset, cessation and length of the rainy season. The results showed that the current constraints to maize production sustainability include the practice of traditional farming methods such as land preparation method (slash and burn), poor seed source (use of seeds from farmer's own farm) and selection, and planting method and tools used; pest and disease prevalence; lack of financial and input support; rainfall variation (late or early rainfall onset); poor access to extension and land acquisition. Comprehensive government policy on agriculture (particularly on maize production), yield gap analysis for maize, and further research into farmers’ accessibility of available extension are recommended to improve and sustain maize production in the study area.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Materials Engineering in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Master of Science (MSC) degree in Environmental Resource Management, 2015
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