College of Agriculture & Natural Resourceshttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/132024-03-29T14:56:25Z2024-03-29T14:56:25Z711Evaluation of yam varietal response to vine multiplication technique under three growth media.Agbesi, Shinehttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/104482023-05-25T12:32:31Zdc.title: Evaluation of yam varietal response to vine multiplication technique under three growth media.
dc.contributor.author: Agbesi, Shine
dc.description.abstract: A field trial was conducted at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CRI) experimental fields; Fumesua to identify the appropriate soil medium which best conserves soil nutrients and water for rapid growth and multiplication of seed yams. The experiment was a pot experiment, a 4 x 3 factorial design, and treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design with three replications. The treatments consisted of four yam varieties; Mankrong Pona, Dente, Kukrupa and CRI Pona and three different soil media which were: blacksoil, blacksoil (5 parts): carbonized rice husk (3 parts) mixture and blacksoil (5 parts): sawdust (3 parts). This study was designed to evaluate the rooting and tuberization (mini tubers) potentials of vine cuttings of four yam varieties. Vine cuttings from 120 days old plants were collected from the yam varieties for root formation. Two nodes leafy vine cuttings were prepared and planted. The parameters measured were: percentage sprouting, percentage vine establishment, vine length, percentage root formation, mini tuber weight and number of mini tubers. Percentage sprouting in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than all other soil treatments effects and Dente varietal effect was significantly higher than all other varietal effects. Percentage vine establishment was significantly higher in the blacksoil/carbonized rice husk media and higher percentage vine establishment was recorded in Dente variety. The study also revealed that the highest rooting of vines was in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk which was significantly higher than all other treatment effects and the poorest rooting was in blacksoil/sawdust mixture. Among the yam varieties, rooting in Dente was significantly higher than all the other varieties. The greatest number of tubers was in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk, and this was significantly higher than the other media effects. The Dente variety produced also the greatest number of mini tubers as well as tuber weight than all the other varieties. The weight of mini tubers in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk treatment effects was significantly greater than the others. The results indicated that the Dente variety showed the greatest response to the vine multiplication technology and the blacksoil/carbonized rice husk mixture was the most supporting medium.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of MPhil. Agronomy degree.
Inheritance and combining ability studies on grain yield and resistance to maize weevil (Sitophilus Zeamais, Motschulsky) among extra early quality protein maize inbred lines.Amissah, Solomonhttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/104452023-06-12T12:22:07Zdc.title: Inheritance and combining ability studies on grain yield and resistance to maize weevil (Sitophilus Zeamais, Motschulsky) among extra early quality protein maize inbred lines.
dc.contributor.author: Amissah, Solomon
dc.description.abstract: The maize weevil is one of the most important storage pests of maize in Ghana and Africa as a whole. It causes damage from as low as 20% to as high as 100% in untreated varieties. Developing resistant varieties has been identified as an important and environmentally friendly aspect of the integrated pest management system. However, little is known about the genetic control of resistance to the maize weevil in Ghana. The main objective of this research was to understand the genetic control and heritability of resistance to the maize weevil. The specific objectives were to identify promising genotypes with resistance to the maize weevil. Five parents were crossed in a complete Diallel mating design to obtain 20 hybrids. The 25 genotypes were planted again with two local checks to obtain their seeds. The seeds obtained from these genotypes were subsequently used in the laboratory evaluation for the identification of resistance of the genotypes to the three regional collections of the maize weevils. The laboratory assessment identified parent TZEEQI 111 as the best parental line for resistance to the maize weevil. It exhibited highly significant and negative GCA effects for weevil progeny emergence, percentage weight loss, percentage grain damage and susceptibility index. It also exhibited a positive and significant GCA effect for Median development period. Hybrids TZEEQI 111 × TZEEQI 139, TZEEQI 111 × TZEEQI 12, TZEEQI 111 × TZEEQI 61 and TZEEQI 12 × TZEEQI 66 exhibited significant SCA effects. Heritability estimates revealed high narrow sense heritability for F1 weevil progeny emergence, percentage grain damage and susceptibility index. These results suggest the presence of additive and non-additive gene action in the control of resistance to the maize weevil. Parental lines TZEEQI 111, TZEEQI 139 and TZEEQI 66 performed very well and as such should be considered when forming base population to initiate breeding programs for resistance to maize weevils.
dc.description: A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Philosophy in Plant Breeding.
Effects of pre-germination treatments and storage periods on germination, vigour, chemical and health composition of seeds of three cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivarsOpoku, Priscilla Nana Amahttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/104342023-06-12T14:25:00Zdc.title: Effects of pre-germination treatments and storage periods on germination, vigour, chemical and health composition of seeds of three cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars
dc.contributor.author: Opoku, Priscilla Nana Ama
dc.description.abstract: Seeds of three cultivars of cassava were collected from the CSIR-Crops Research Institute at
Fumesua in the Ashanti Region to determine the effect of storage periods and seed pregermination treatments on the germination percentage, physicochemical and health
properties of seeds from the three varieties of cassava. The experiment was conducted
under laboratory conditions and a 3 x 3 x 7 factorial in Completely Randomized Design
(CRD) with three replications was used. The first factor was cultivar at three levels
(Ahwengyanka-1, Ahwengyanka-2 and Aworowa-3); the second factor was pre-germination
treatments at seven levels (hot water, cold water, mechanical scarification, three
concentrations of acid scarification and no treatment as the control); the third factor was
storage period at three levels (no storage, three months storage and six months storage). The
study revealed that seeds of cassava stored for up to three months produced about 40%
germination after undergoing the various pre-germination treatments. Seeds of the
Aworowa-3 cultivar stored for six months produced the highest germination percentage of
61.0%. Seeds mechanically scarified with sand paper produced the highest germination
percentage of 48.9% whereas seeds with no treatment recorded the least percentage of
34.8%. Seven fungi pathogens were identified on the three cultivars of cassava seeds
irrespective of the cultivar and period of storage. The study concluded that Aworowa-3
seeds without storage produced a higher germination percentage than Ahwengyanka-1 and
Ahwengyanka-2 seeds without storage but all the seeds of the three varieties had the highest
germination percentage when stored for six months.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to The School of Research and Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Master of Philosophy Seed Science and Technology,
Analyses of perceptions and adaptations to climate change by rice farmers: case study in the Ashanti and Northern Regions of GhanaAdusei, Kwamehttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/103522023-06-15T11:06:58Zdc.title: Analyses of perceptions and adaptations to climate change by rice farmers: case study in the Ashanti and Northern Regions of Ghana
dc.contributor.author: Adusei, Kwame
dc.description.abstract: Climate change is becoming a serious global problem that is expected to pose a serious threat
on the environment and many sectors of economic growth such as agricultural production and
food security and especially on rural farmers whose livelihoods depend on the use of natural
resources are likely to bear the burden of the adverse impacts. The extent to which these
impacts are felt depends in large part on the extent of adaptation in response to climate
change perceived by farmers. This study analyses the perceptions and adaptations of rice
farmers to climate change in the Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana. To carry out this
analysis, a multinomial logit model, in which the choices of rice farmers' adaptations to
climate change are specified to be a function of socioeconomic and institutional variables,
and is estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Cross sectional data was collected
from a sample of 249 rice farmers from the Adansi South district, Ahafo Ano South district
and the Tolon-Kumbungu districts. The results show that rice farmers in all the surveyed
districts are aware of the changing climatic conditions, and recognize climate change. The
overall perception index (CBPI) of sampled rice farmers about climate change across the
surveyed districts is 0.5, suggesting that rice farmers have a positive perception about climate
change and as well agree to most of the perception statements about climate change. Hence,
they are always willing to put measures in place to mitigate the adverse effects of climate
change. The main adaptation strategies used by rice farmers are migrating to urban areas,
diversification of crop, making of bonds (irrigation) and engaging in off-farm jobs. The
results reveal that age significantly but negatively affects the decision of farmers to make
bonds on their rice fields as well as migrate to the urban area when faced with climate
variability. Policy should therefore aim at encouraging and motivating the young people to go
into the rice farming business. Farm size also had negative influence on a farmer ’s choice of
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making bonds his rice field. It is therefore recommended that the bonding method of
irrigation on rice fields is improved and mechanized as farmers with very large rice fields are
not able to invest in the method. Off-farm income negatively influence the likelihood of a rice
farmer making bonds, migrating as well as diversifying his crop types. Rice farmers should
properly manage their off-farm income-earning opportunities so that these jobs do not
interfere with their farm activities. The size of a rice farmer's household, distance from house
to farm, educational level, farming experience and land acquisition were all found to
negatively influence a farmer's choice of an adaptation strategy. However, gender and fixed
agreement between land owner and the rice farmer positively influence a farmer's choice of
adaptation to climate change. It is recommended that land acquisition and property rights
should be clearly defined to both land owners and rice farmers. Lack of financial resources,
High cost of labor and inputs and transportation problems are the most pressing problems
facing rice producers in the surveyed districts. The study therefore recommends that policies
that would improve access to credit, extension service delivery, off-farm jobs, land
acquisition and property rights should be pursued.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to The Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy,
Combining ability, heterosis and heritability of agronomic traits and resistance to maize streak virus in maize inbred linesIge, Adenike Damilolahttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/103022023-06-15T11:14:13Zdc.title: Combining ability, heterosis and heritability of agronomic traits and resistance to maize streak virus in maize inbred lines
dc.contributor.author: Ige, Adenike Damilola
dc.description.abstract: Maize is an important cereal crop in Sub-Saharan Africa which contributes substantial portion to the diet of millions of people. The production of maize is being affected by maize streak virus disease (MSVD); an economically important foliar disease, thereby causing significant grain yield losses in farmers’ fields. In Ghana, re-occurrence of the disease has been reported in several regions, therefore, necessitating the development of resistant hybrids which is the most sustainable and economical management option. The objectives of the study were to identify parents and hybrids that combine MSVD resistance with high yield, and also to determine the influence of maternal effect on the inheritance of MSVD resistance. Five parental inbred lines namely; TZEI-4, TZEI-7, TZEI-22, TZEI-31 and TZEI-157 were crossed in a full diallel mating design during the major season of 2015. The resulting F1 hybrids were evaluated under natural and artificial infestations during the minor and major seasons of 2015/2016 using 9 x 3 alpha-lattice design with three replications. Diagnosis of the viral disease using Polymerase Chain Reaction confirmed the presence of maize streak virus in the 27 genotypes evaluated. ANOVA for diallel crosses across environments revealed that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were significant for MSVD severity mean score and most of the agronomic traits. Maternal effect had no significant contribution to the inheritance of MSVD resistance. GCA by environment (P<0.01) and SCA by environment (P<0.001) interactions mean squares were significant for MSVD severity mean score indicating that the disease pressure was higher under artificial infestation. Additive gene effect was preponderant for MSVD severity mean score, total leaf count, plant aspect and ear aspect whereas, the expression of other traits was influenced by non-additive gene effect. GCA effects revealed that inbred lines TZEI-7 and TZEI-22 were resistant to MSVD and could be good combiners for grain yield in addition to TZEI-31 and TZEI-157. Hybrids TZEI-4*TZEI-22 and TZEI-4*TZEI-31 showed resistance to MSVD as revealed by their SCA effects and heterotic values. TZEI-7*TZEI-157, TZEI-31*TZEI-157, TZEI-22*TZEI-157 and TZEI-4*TZEI-22 had positive and significant SCA effect, mid-parent heterosis and high parent heterosis for grain yield. The narrow sense heritability estimated for MSVD severity mean score, total leaf count and plant aspect were 55.3, 40.44 and 36.37 % respectively, while broad sense heritability ranged from approximately 54 to 84 % for all the measured traits. MSVD severity mean score correlated negatively and significantly (P<0.01) with total leaf count, plant height and 100-grain weight. Response to selection can be achieved for MSVD resistance combined with high grain yield if selection is based on MSVD severity mean score, total leaf count and plant aspect. Total leaf count, ear leaf area, plant height and 100-grain weight correlated significantly (P<0.001) and positively with grain yield. Promising hybrids TZEI-4*TZEI-22, TZEI-22*TZEI-157, TZEI-7*TZEI-157 and TZEI-31*TZEI-157 identified in this study should be further tested in multi-locations across Ghana to determine their stability and adaptability.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Plant Breeding.
Assessing the physical and chemical properties of 15year old normal and coppiced teak (Tectona grandis) woods for their effective utilizationDwumaa, Harriethttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/102912023-06-15T11:17:45Zdc.title: Assessing the physical and chemical properties of 15year old normal and coppiced teak (Tectona grandis) woods for their effective utilization
dc.contributor.author: Dwumaa, Harriet
dc.description.abstract: The increasing demand for timber in Ghana has placed much pressure on some of the timber
species whose technical information is known. The incumbent trend of deforestation has
posed a threat on the sustainability of the country’s timber resources in the near future if
adequate measures are not put in place to curb this problem. To this effort many exotic
species have been introduced into the country and raised in plantations both on and off
reserves to supplement the timber in the natural forest. Among these exotic species is the
Tectona grandis. Despite the establishment of these hardwood species in plantations, wood
users do not have adequate information which will encourage the maximum utilization of
these species. The study was aimed at evaluating the physical which were moisture content,
density the shrinkage and swelling while chemical properties were cellulose, lignin,
extractives and holocellulose of coppiced teak wood and comparing to normal teak wood at
the age of 15 years for its utilization. Three trees each were selected from plantations of the
normal teak and the coppiced teak for the study. These trees were cut into three height
portion (butt, middle and top) and wood samples selected for the test. For physical properties,
36 samples were taken from each height portion of which 18 samples each were taken along
the radial direction of the stem (heartwood and sapwood). Samples for chemical analyses
were taken from these samples tests of both heartwood and sapwood. These samples were
replicated three times for each of the test samples. The mean values for moisture content were
49.07% and 48.73% for the normal and coppiced teak woods respectively. Density values
were 842.95 kg/m
3
and 835.51 kg/m
3
respectively for normal teak wood and coppiced teak
wood. Shrinkage values were 7.39% and 7.38% for coppiced and normal teak wood
respectively. Coppiced teak wood swells (1.04%) more than that of the normal teak wood
(0.98%). The highest density of Tectona grandis was found at the butt portion, followed by
middle and top portion. Along the radial direction, it showed that the density was highest at
iv
sapwood followed by the heartwood. Percentage of moisture content increased from butt to
top portion. Tree portion did not affect the lignin content, cellulose content, holocellulose and
hemicellulose contents. From the study, the normal teak wood was proven to be better than
coppiced teak wood in terms of both physical and chemical properties, but the coppiced teak
wood can be utilized, in some respect, as a suitable substitute to the normal teak wood.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to the Department of Wood Science and Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science,
Effect of shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems on cocoa microclimate and productivityKyereh, Dennishttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/101242023-06-16T15:32:28Zdc.title: Effect of shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems on cocoa microclimate and productivity
dc.contributor.author: Kyereh, Dennis
dc.description.abstract: The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of shade trees in cocoa systems on the
availability of soil moisture, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), temperature and
relative humidity for cocoa in the dry seasons and how these environmental factors influence
cocoa productivity. The study was carried out in the Atwima Nwabiagya District (a moist
semi-deciduous forest zone) of the Ashanti region of Ghana. Sixteen different shade trees
were selected and categorized as low, medium and tall canopy heights. An effect ratio
comparing tree sub-canopy effects to the open area effects was adopted and data were
analyzed using the R Statistical Package. Soil moisture contents were higher for the medium
(0.09) and tall (0.06) canopy height trees but lower for the low canopy heights (-0.07).
Morinda lucida (0.19), Spathodea campanulata (0.16) and Ficus capensis (0.13) showed
favourable soil moisture effects, however Citrus sinensis (-0.26) revealed lower soil moisture
levels in the sub-canopy during the dry seasons. Photosynthetic active radiation was
significantly higher for the tall (48.5%) and medium (31%) canopy heights but lower for the
low canopy heights (10.7%). Entandrophragma angolense and Terminalia superba had the
highest transmitted percentage PAR of 69.2% and 67.1% respectively and the lowest being
Mangifera indica (3%). The effect of single standing shade trees in cocoa systems to buffer
temperature and relative humidity in the dry seasons were not significant. Cocoa
aboveground biomass was higher in the sub-canopies of tall (0.07) and medium (0.01)
canopy heights but was however significantly lower for low canopy heights (-0.24).
Aboveground biomass was highest in the sub-canopy of Entandrophragma angolense (0.26)
but lowest under Mangifera indica (-0.37). The study revealed that potential yields of cocoa
were as well higher in the sub-canopies of tall (0.12) and medium (0.06) canopy heights but
lower for low (-0.16) canopy height. The pod yields of cocoa were highest under Ficus
capensis (0.40) and Ficus exasperata (0.40) but lowest under Terminalia ivorensis (-0.55).
Tall and medium canopy height trees in cocoa agroforestry systems potentially ensure higher
soil moisture content and PAR availability in the sub-canopy, especially during the dry
seasons, which could translate into higher cocoa aboveground biomass and pod yields. The
inclusion of low canopy height trees must be done with caution as it may lead to potential
yield reduction
dc.description: A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Agroforestry,
Effect of post harvest quality management practices on fruit juices of small scale industries in Ghana: a case study of fruit juice producers in the Ashanti Region of GhanaAmeyaw, Isaachttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/99732023-06-19T15:15:38Zdc.title: Effect of post harvest quality management practices on fruit juices of small scale industries in Ghana: a case study of fruit juice producers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
dc.contributor.author: Ameyaw, Isaac
dc.description.abstract: Recent negative perception of people about locally produced fruits and vegetables have made the supervisory bodies to monitor the juice producers on the hazards associated with the unconcerned attitude to hygienic processing, packaging and transport of locally produced fruit and vegetable juices. However, little attention has been given to the hygienic handling of processed fruits and vegetables at the processing companies to the final consumer. This study, thus investigated the effect of postharvest quality management practices on fruit juices of small scale industries in Ghana, sought to assess people’s perception, producers handling practices, the challenges as well as to assess the quality of the locally made fruit juice products on the market. A field survey was conducted in Tanoso, Tafo, Bremang, Ejisu, Mampong, Offinso,Obuasi and Konongo of the Ahsanti Region of Ghana. Interviews together with structured questionnaire were used in data collection of 35 employees from seven (7) pineapple and orange juice processing companies and 265 consumers randomly selected from the study areas. Laboratory work was also conducted at the Biochemistry and Biological Science laboratories (KNUST) – Kumasi, Ghana. Quality parameters assessed during the study included pH, Vitamin C, Ash, Total Titratable acidity, Total soluble solids, Total viable count, Yeast and mould and Staphylococcus aureus counts. 40% of consumers indicated that, imported fruit and vegetable juices were better than the locally made ones, 28.66% agreed that imported fruit juices were better whilst 21.01% of the consumers disagreed that imported fruit juices were better. Only a few (28.6%) of the juice producers used sodium hypochlorite to wash fruits, whilst majority (71.4%) did not wash fruits under running with sodium hypochlorite. The chi-square analysis showed that, major challenges like finance, non-existence of cold storage transport vehicles and the use of old processing equipments were significantly higher (P<0.05) within the processing companies. There were significant differences in physico-chemical and microbial parameters of juices from the companies to the markets. The levels of pH, vitamin C, TSS, TTA, Ash as well as microbial loads within the processing companies were significantly different from the codex standard. However, juice from the processing companies 1 and 5 were within the range for consumption from the codex and Ghana standards.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to The Department of Horticulture, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Mphil Postharvest Technnology).
Economic analysis of cocoyam production in GhanaBoakye-Achampong, Stanleyhttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/98962023-06-19T15:30:52Zdc.title: Economic analysis of cocoyam production in Ghana
dc.contributor.author: Boakye-Achampong, Stanley
dc.description.abstract: Cocoyam is an important food security crop in Ghana because it stores better than the other root and tuber crops; however its production remains low. This study examines the economics of cocoyam production in Ghana. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 150 cocoyam producers were drawn from Asante-Akyem South, Asunafo North and Fanteakwa districts in Ghana. Primary data, collected through questionnaire administration, was used to fit a Cobb-Douglas production function by employing the Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA). Krippendorff’s Alpha Reliability Test was employed to examine constraints faced in cocoyam production. Results from the study showed that cocoyam was predominantly cultivated as an intercrop (84%) with plantain, cocoa, and cassava. However, about 20% of producers in Fanteakwa and Asunafo North districts planted cocoyam as pure stand (sole cropping). Cocoyam was cultivated equally for sale and household consumption with corms being the main economic part even though producers also harvested cocoyam leaves for sale. The average land area under cocoyam cultivation was 0.55 hectares, corm yield was estimated at 6.5mt/ha and cocoyam leaves yield was about 0.59mt/ha. Cocoyam yield under mono-cropping system was found to be significantly higher than yield under intercropping system. Empirical results showed that labour, land area cultivated, quantity of planting materials (corm setts) planted and amount invested in other farm inputs positively influenced cocoyam production. Furthermore, the type of cropping system practised, extension contact, education, farming experience and household size had significant positive effect on corm production. However, the quantity of cocoyam leaves harvested from the crop, herbicide application and continuous cultivation on the same piece of land had significant negative effect on corm production. Labour constituted the biggest cost component for cocoyam production. Cocoyam production returned an average gross margin of GH¢ 5164 and net farm profit of GH¢ 4824 per hectare representing 24% return on investment. This suggests that the enterprise may be relatively profitable than similar farm investments, however not so profitable compared to the present cost of capital (25%) in Ghana. Producers in Fanteakwa had comparative advantage over those in Asunafo North and Asante Akyem South with relatively higher returns to land as well as labour and management. Cultivating cocoyam as a sole crop was found to be more profitable than as an intercrop. With a Krippendorff Alpha statistic of 0.54, the study showed a moderate level of concordance among cocoyam producers with respect to production, marketing and socio-economic constraints facing them. Producers ranked socio-economic constraints as the most significant set of constraints hampering cocoyam production followed by marketing constraints and production constraints respectively. Among other things, the study recommended the adoption of mono-cropping system to improve cocoyam production in Ghana; which is possible only if producers have improved access to farmlands. In this regard, re-introduction of the regulated rotational strategy for using secondary forest lands for food crop production under the Modified Taungya System (MTS) is recommended to boost cocoyam production in the country. The study further recommended the formation of policies directed at improving producers’ access to capital and other productive inputs, more participation from male farmers and an enhanced extension delivery system so as to increase cocoyam production in Ghana. Finally, the study recommended that cocoyam producers especially in Asante Akyem South and Asunafo North intensify usage of market inputs so as to maximize yield, enhance their competitiveness and increase farm profit.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics.
Assessment of risks and constraints faced by actors along the sweet potato value chain in GhanaWie, Prosperhttps://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/95642023-06-19T10:38:54Zdc.title: Assessment of risks and constraints faced by actors along the sweet potato value chain in Ghana
dc.contributor.author: Wie, Prosper
dc.description.abstract: This study was aimed at examining risks and constraints of actors along the sweet potato value chain in Ghana by focusing on Fanteakwa (Southern sector) and West Mamprusi (Northern sector) districts. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources with primary data forming the core of the study. Selection of 200 producer respondents was done using the simple random sampling technique whilst a combination of accidental sampling and snowballing techniques were used to select 100 traders and 80 processors of sweet potato. Value chain mapping was done to establish the linkages and relationships among actors along the value chain and the produce pathways. Descriptive statistics were used to identify and analyze risks and management strategies employed by value chain actors to mitigate them. The multinomial logit model and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were used to analyze the choice of risk management strategies and constraints respectively. The study results revealed that, the main actors along the sweet potato value chain are input suppliers, producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, processors and consumers. The sweet potato value chain was found to be buyer-driven and governed by collectors. The chain was also found to be weak. in terms of integration and access to market information. Risks along the sweet potato value chain were seen to be identical for particular group of actors. However, there was wide variation in terms of predictability and management strategies employed by actors. It was also realized from the study that, producers are constrained with high cost of chemical inputs, poor road network to farms and high cost of labour which hamper sweet potato production. Low commodity price, poor road network to market centers and long market distance are the most pressing marketing constraints for farmers. Traders also identified high transport cost, inadequate storage facilities and high post-harvest losses as the most critical constraints which are inimical to their sweet potato business. Limited working capital, limited access to credit and high perishability of produce were identified as the most constraining factors at the processor level. The multinomial logit model results revealed that farm size, amount of money saved, income from sweet potato, credit, sweet potato farming experience, output from previous season, education, extension contact and off-farm income significantly influenced the choice of production risk management strategy whilst the choice of price risk management strategy by farmers was significantly influenced by output from previous season, farm size, access to extension services, sweet potato farming experience and amount of money saved. Therefore, policies and strategies aimed at improving savings habit of farmers, education and sensitization through access to extension services, and enhanced access to credit are recommended by the study.
dc.description: A thesis submitted to The School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics,