The Effects of Adra's Mango Project on Livelihoods in the Yilo Krobo District
Date
2013-07
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
Although recent statistics reveal a decline in poverty in Ghana, many people still live below the
poverty line. Rural small-holder food crop farmers are the most vulnerable groups affected by
poverty. This is due to their limited access to micro-credits. The Adventist Development and
Relief Agency (ADRA) is a Non Governmental Organization in Ghana and has been working
with small-holder farmers in the Yilo Krobo District with the aim of improving rural income and
improving the well-being of the rural poor. However the effects of ADRA‟s interventions on
livelihoods of farmers are not adequately explored. The purpose of this research was to evaluate
the effects of ADRA‟s mango project on income levels and the general welfare of small-holder
farmers in the district. To achieve these objectives, a mixed methodology approach combined
with secondary data, and literature was applied in this research. Data was collected from 95
ADRA assisted farmers and 55 non beneficiaries in the district. Majority of the farmers reported
that ADRA‟s intervention has positively contributed to increased farm sizes, rising mango
output, higher incomes and improved livelihoods. On the other hand, the project has made some
farmers poorer, as they were unable to repay loans they accessed because of very low production
which was explained by poor soil quality in their localities. Limited access to international
markets is another problem reported by the farmers. Based on the findings of the study, it was
recommended that the government of Ghana and other development organisations should adopt
and replicate ADRA‟s project in different localities since there is a possibility of spill over effect
on the livelihood of the rural poor. However, soil quality assessments must be carried out
whenever similar agricultural projects are being designed. It was also recommended that the
government must work with ADRA to link mango producers with international markets.
Description
Thesis (MPHIL)-University of Ghana, 2013