The State and Mango Export Crop Production in Ghana

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