Adoption Potential of Improved Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) Varieties in Ghana

2017

English

Root and tuber crops are essential staple crops produced in the West African sub- Region. The West African Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) funded by the World Bank seeks to improve root and tuber crops to ensure increased productivity, food security and poverty alleviation. The first phase ended with the release of four improved sweetpotato varieties (Ligri, Bohye, Dadanyuie, Patron) with higher productivity compared to other existing varieties. Potential adoption study is necessary to aid dissemination of the varieties by identifying varietal traits that could drive the adoption and varietal choices across various locations. The study employed qualitative approach (Participatory Rural Appraisal) involving 126 farmers randomly selected from a purposive pool of sweetpotato farmers from four major sweetpotato growing areas (Akatsi, Komenda, Ohawu and Asempanaye) in the Volta and Central regions of Ghana. Males (59.6%) dominated in sweetpotato production across location and a youth representation of 40% of the total sampled size which is a good indication for sweetpotato production. Sweetpotato production is undertaken mostly in the minor season (August-September) on an average farm size of 1.5 acres (0.6 ha) using both local and improved varieties (Sauti, Santom pona, Faara and Apomuden). Farmers perceived major pests that affected the crop to be Sweetpotato weevil (50% yield loss), Grasshoppers (30% yield loss) and Caterpillar (20% yield loss). Pesticides (Actelic 50 EC) was extensively used in pest control. Farmers perceived that, excessive use of pesticides had a negative effect on the sweetpotato yield and quality. Mean yield per hectare was 3.3 tons (3300 kg). Based on major and minor season prices, the highest profit was made in the minor season. Mean total production cost per hectare was GH₵1,925.00 in the major season and GH₵2,812.50 in the minor season; Revenues obtained were GH₵4,050.00 and GH₵6,600.00 and Gross Margins of GH₵2,125.00 and GH₵3,787.50 in the major and minor seasons respectively. Considering on absolute percentages, Komenda preferred variety Dadanyuie (85%) and Patron (62%); Ohawu preferred Bohye (85%) and Dadanyuie (76%), Asempanaye preferred Patron (76%) and Bohye (70%); Akatsi farmers preferred Dadanyuie (76%) and Bohye (61%) based on the varietal characteristics deemed ideal for farming conditions, increasing output and subsequently income. Optimum adoption of a new variety requires the consideration of locational variety choices, training on good agricultural practices, education on the traits of the new variety and proper marketing techniques.