Socio-Economic Effects of Grain Loss: Evidence from Maize Production in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly

Abstract

Agriculture remains one of the major sources of income and food in most economies of the sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Various efforts in the form of government support and investment have been injected into agriculture in Africa to increase food production. However, the continuous cases of grain losses recorded continue to threaten food security and the economic wellbeing of actors within the food supply chain. Maize, just like other grains is an important food crop in the Ghanaian society where it is used in the preparation of a variety of meals. It is cultivated in almost all the sixteen (16) regions in Ghana. The study was conducted in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study examines the socio-economic effects of grain loss with evidence from maize production within the municipality. The qualitative method was adopted for this study to explore and understand the socio-economic dynamics of the municipality and the effects grain loss have on the general population. A sample size of twenty-five (25) participants were selected for the study based on their experiences with maize farming, grain loss, marketing of grains and using maize in preparing various local food dishes. The study showed that, losses in maize production are widespread throughout the municipality. Several factors contribute to losses recorded in maize production within the municipality. The main causes include; timing of harvest, apathy and misuse of agrochemicals as well as inadequate storage options available to actors within the maize supply chain. Losses leads to the wastage of limited resources such as land and water. In addition, losses reduce the income of actors within the maize supply chain and threaten food security within the economy. Less stringent requirements for financial support from banks can help farmers secure loans to invest in modern storage facilities to reduce losses. Extension services must be intensified to train farmers on the appropriate use of agrochemicals. Government must embark on initiatives and policies aimed at addressing losses in agriculture production within the economy.