The State and Mango Export Crop Production in Ghana
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Date
2016
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Publisher
Ghana Social Science Journal
Abstract
This paper investigates how state policies aided access to factors of
production, compliance with international food safety standards and
improved income status of mango farmers. The study was conducted in
the Yilo Krobo and Kintampo North Districts— two major mango
growing areas in Ghana. A total of 43 respondents provided primary data
for the study. They included 32 farmers and 11 key informants from
processors, key state institutions and development partners. Among the
major findings are: land title registration certification policy guaranteed
land security, expansion in farm size and increased productivity.
Leasehold land tenure was the preferred practice and it significantly
replaces sharecropping associated with land acquisition. The state and
development partners injected significant agriculture credit into mango
production. Cash and logistic support got directly to farmers. Access to
agricultural credit engendered capital-intensive production, aided farm
expansion and facilitated procurement of agro-inputs. Division of labour
is by specialization and experience rather than gender, sex and age.
Technical and skill development capacity training has improved farmers’
agronomic practices, and ensures compliance with food safety standards,
greater competitiveness and increased export volumes. Farmers are
experiencing increasing income and regular profit and are able to educate
their children, build decent houses and provide food for their families
Description
Ghana Social Science Journal, 13(2), 185–208.
Keywords
Ghana, Mango, Food Safety, Income, Farm Certification