Cost-benefit analysis and problems associated with the production of Verano seed by smallholder livestock farmers in Ghana

Abstract

On-farm seed production of Stylosanthes hamata cv Verano was carried out by smallholder livestock farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Technical back up was provided by a technical team comprising personnel from the University of Ghana and staff of the Ejura Sheep Breeding Farm of the Animal Production Directorate. The main objective of the project was to establish a local capacity for the production of Verano seed for improving the nations rangelands. The major problems encountered were; weed encroachment, bush fire, insect predation of planted seeds and laborious seed processing. Income per ha earned from Verano production was higher than that obtained from maize and cowpea production. The programme successfully established local capacity for Verano production in Ghana. Total Verano seed production by selected farmers in the study period was about 150 tonnes and the benefit/cost ratio increased from 1.15 (year 1) to 2.05 (year 2) and 7.87 (year 3) showing the economic benefits of Verano seed production. However, there is a need to undertake further research to raise the efficiency of quality Verano seed production.