Baseline Survey Report- West African Agricultural Productivity Programme-WAAPP-GHANA

English

During the past four decades, food production has failed to keep pace with population growth in many African countries. One group of commodities that holds much potential for reversing this trend is the roots and tubers. But in Ghana, data compiled from the SRID/MoFA show that yields per unit area of these commodities are low. These low yields are primarily due to declines in soil fertility in the country. The National Soil Fertility Management Action Plan (1998) clearly states that ‘Increased demographic pressure, inappropriate land management practices, reduced or absence of fallow periods have caused a rapid decline in soil fertility in Ghana, lowering agricultural productivity and increased food insecurity’. Current information available from Ghana’s CSIR-CRI shows that roots and tubers account for approximately 40% of Ghana’s AGDP whilst cereals account for 7%. The (WAAPP) is a two-phase, 10-year Adaptable Programme of five years duration each, initiated by ECOWAS with the support of the World Bank to ensure a successful execution of its agricultural policy and to overcome agricultural challenges in the West African sub-region.

Sam, J.; Dapaah, H.