INTRODUCTION

 

Amansie West District Agricultural Development Unit (AWDADU) exist to lead in the overall agricultural development of the Amansie West District through coordinated strategies involving all local stakeholders for an improved living standard of the people and Ghana as a whole

 

Location and Size

The Amansie West District was carved out of the former Amansie District in 1988. The District shares common boundaries with eight districts namely: Atwima Nwabiagya and Atwima Mponuah to the west, Bekwai Municipality, Amansie Central and Obuasi Municipal to the east, Atwima Kwawhoma to the north and Upper Denkyira and Bibiani to the south. The District serves as a regional boundary between Ashanti Region on one side and Central and Western Region on the other side. Specifically, the district It is located within latitude 6.05o West: 6.35o North: 1.40o South and 2.05o East.

The Amansie West District spans an area of about 1,364 square kilometers and it is the one of the largest districts in Ashanti forming about 5.4% of the total land area of the Ashanti Region. Manso Nkwanta is the District Capital and it is about 65 km from Kumasi. Other bigger settlements include Abore, Agroyesum, Ahwerewa, Ankam, Antoakrom, Aponapon, Datano, Esaase, Esuowin, Keniago, Mpatuam, Moseaso, Nipankyeremia, Odaho, Pakyi No. 1 and 2 and Watreso.

The surrounding regions and districts with respect to this location provide opportunity for marketing goods and services from the district. The location of the district makes it the gate way to Ashanti from western and central. This has a great potential for promoting hospitality industries such as hotels, restaurants and crafts products. With its vast land area, there is access to agricultural land for promotion of rice, citronella, cocoa, oranges and oil palm plantations to feed the local agro based industries and beyond.

Relief and Drainage

The topography of the district is generally undulating with an elevation of 210 m above sea level. The most prominent feature is the range of hills, which stretches across the north-western part of the district, especially around Manso-Nkwanta and Abore. These hills have an elevation of between 560 m 630 m. The district is drained in the north by the Offin and Oda rivers and their tributaries such as Jeni, Pumpin and Emuna. The drainage pattern of the district can be harnessed for irrigational cultivation of rice vegetable farming and aqua culture.

Climate

The climate of the district is wet semi-equatorial climatic.  It has a double rainfall maxima regime- with the major rainy season occurring between March and July.  The minor rainfall season occurs between September and November.  Mean annual rainfall ranges between 855mm and 1,500mm.  The average number of rainy days for the year is between 110 and 120 days.  The months, December to March are usually dry and characterized by high temperatures, and early morning moist/fog and cold weather conditions. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year with mean monthly temperature of about 27ºc.  Humidity is high during the rainy season.  The months of December to February, however, record very low humidity. This climatic condition is suitable for the cultivation of cash and food crops such as cocoa, citronella, oranges, plantain and vegetables to feed the agro based industries in the district and beyond.

It must be stressed however that, current trends in the climatic conditions of the district is becoming unpredictable as a result of climatic change. This has however affected agriculture planning. The situation calls for measures to reduce the overreliance on climate for agricultural production like irrigation.

Vegetation

The vegetation of the District is mainly of the rain forest type and exhibits moist semi deciduous characteristics. This makes the land very fertile and suitable for agricultural investments Food and cash crops such as cassava, rice, maize, cocoa, citrus, oil palm, citronella grass, and others are widely grown in the area. As a result of the bad practices such as shifting cultivation, slash and burn method of farming illegal mining and illegal logging, has gradually destroyed and replaced by a mosaic of secondary forest.

Fortunately for the district there are four main forest reserves in the district. These are namely the;

Oda River Forest Reserve

Apanprama Forest Reserve

Jimira Forest Reserve and

Gyeni River Forest Reserve

Soils

There are six (6) main soil types in the district. These are Bekwai-Oda compound Association. This series is a deep well drained, red gravelly soil and normally occur in valley bottoms. This series is found in the northern part of Abore and areas around Dome-Keniago. Antoakrom, Odaho and a large portion of the land beyond the river Offin. The second type of soil is the Ahawam-Kakum-Chichiwere Association. This series is reddish brown in colour, deep well drained loam to clay loam. This series is found in the south western part of the district and Nyamebekyere, Britcherkrom and Adagya area.

The third series found in the district is the Mim-Oda Compound. This slightly different from the Bekwai-Oda because of the presence of abundant stone gravels. This soil occurs in the southern part of Datano and Aboaboso.

The forth is the Bekwai-Zongo-Oda Complex found mainly in the northern part of Esaase. Nyanoo-Tinkong Association is the fifth soil type. This series are very shallow in nature soil on eroded hill tops and flanks. They are found in the hilly areas of Abore.

The sixth is the Kobeda-Eschiem-Subinso-Oda Complex. The outstanding feature of this series is its limited in use by its shallow depth hence making it susceptible to draught. They are found in the northern part of Manso-Nkwanta and areas around Essuowin and Bayerebon.

The above mentioned soil types have the potential of supporting both food and cash crops such as cassava, plantain, coca, citronella, oil palm etc. No wonder the district is ranked third in the cocoa production business. However, where soil fertility is low there is the need for soil fertility practices and the use of fertilizer for increased and sustainable production and productivity.

 

Mineral Deposits

Among the resources identified in the district are potentially rich mineral (gold) deposits. Areas with such deposit include Bonteso, Gyeninso, Mpatuam, Essuowin, Tontokrom and others.

Quite a large area of the district has been acquired and concessions by some companies who have been licensed for prospecting..

There are however other areas in the district with gold deposits which have not been acquired. Notable among such areas is the Jeni Bonte Rivers Placer Deposits. It has been estimated that there are about 21,361,400 cubic meters of soil containing 5,209,866 grams of gold in the Jeni Bonte River.  Apart from the companies with large concessions in the district, there are other interested parties in the mining industry. There are pockets of small scale mining groups in the district employ very crude methods to win gold even though a large portion of the youth in their activities. The activities of these various groups are not properly regulated and not well organized to be seen as part of a total package development efforts in the district.

Conditions of the Natural Environment

The natural environment of the District which used to be one of the purest in the region is gradually losing its purity and importance. This can be attributed to the increase in population and its attendance problems and effect on the environment. The District can boast of natural environment ranging from forest reserves with rich species of flora and fauna to vast arable land that can support the production of both stable crops and cash crops.

Chain saw operators and some timber merchants are encroaching on the reserves so rapidly that it is fear that the reserves will lose its value in the next few years. Furthermore, the activities of both small scale mining and galamsey operators are having a serious effect on the natural environment.

The above gloomy picture does not mean nothing can be done. The citronella plant (cymbonogon natdus and winterianius) is a plant that thrives well in the Amansie West District. This is an aromatic grass that was introduced into Ghana in the 1970’s from Sri Lanker. Basically oil; is being extracted from Citronella grass and the oil contains, Citronellal, geraniol, geranyl formate. The plant has the potential of generation income for the rural folks and protecting the environment.

In Ghana, the essential oil derive is mainly used as perfume for soap production   and as an active ingredient in anti – fungal cream. Information available indicates that, Amansie Resolute Limited as part of its corporate responsibilities and environmental sustainability built the capacity of the rural folks to cultivate the plant. There is therefore the need to revamp and sustain the interest in the cultivation and processing of the citronella plant so as to protect the environment from the religs of galamsey operations and activities of chain sawn operators and further to energies the local economy through its myriad value chain development.

 

Conditions of the Built Environment

The District has over three hundred towns, villages and hamlets. Antoakrom, Dataano, Edubia, Manso Nkwanta, Mpatuam Keniango are the urban communities. Conditions of the communities are characterized by large compound house which are inadequately planned and controlled. Poor drainage facilities, unkempt surroundings and heaps of refuse are found in the urban communities while erosion is very severe and has affected buildings in the rural areas.

Housing

The 2000 population and housing census put the housing stock at 14,900.  In the district, most households own their dwelling units. The quality of dwellings varies dramatically as it depends on the type of materials used for construction. More than half (52.9%) of the dwellings have walls made with mud blocks while the rest have walls made of wood with mud and palm/logs. More than half (57%) of the households in the area have floors made of earth/sand, while the rest (43%) have cement/concrete floors. Galvanized iron sheet is the main roofing material (73%), followed by thatch (13%) and reed/bamboo (11%). Roofs made of thatch and reed/bamboo has a very short lifespan and requires constant replacement on a yearly basis. Available statistics indicates and increasing trend in population as against the available housing stock. This situation calls for intervention by estate developers to provided adequate housing.

 

Demographic Characteristics

Population forms the bases for any planed intervention. This section of the plan is devoted to the description of population issues in the district. Demographic issues considered include trends in population growth, age and sex structure, broad age groups and others.

Population size and growth

In 1984, the District population was 85,619. The 2000 National Population and Housing Census put the district’s population at 108,273 people. This is about 3.0% of the regional population.  Currently, the population of the district has been projected to 144,104. This is made up of 3.8% urban and 96.2% rural.  The table below indicates the population trends in the district over the years.

Table:DistrictandRegionalPopulationTrends

YEAR	ASHANTI REGION	AMANSIE WEST  DISTRICT
	POPULATION SIZE	POPULATION SIZE	GROWTH RATE	POPULATION DENSITY(p/km2)
1984	2,090,100	85,619	1.5	62.77
1994	N.A	99,474		72.93
2000	3,612,950	108,273	2.4	79.38
2004	N.A	121,390		89.10
2006	4239207	128,533	2.4	94.20
2009	N.A	140,043		102.67
2010	N.A	144,104	2.9	105.65

Source: Population census reports and group’s projections

The above data indicates an increasing population for the district. The population density of the district has been increasing over the years.

 

Spatial Distribution

As already stated, the 2000 population and housing census puts the total population of the district at 108,726 people. This population is found in the over three hundred towns, village and hamlets in the district.

The most populous town in the district is Mpatuam with a population of 5,425 inhabitants. Population distribution of the district is skewed positively towards the north eastern part of the district. These areas include Pakyi No. 1, Antoakrom and Esuowin. The growth in population in these areas can be attributed to the very good road network. For instance, the Kumasi Obuase Highways pass through Pakyi No.1 and Pakyi no. 2. These two communities have become dormitory towns providing accommodation for the labour force for Kumasi. This situation   provides conditions for creating weekend and night markets to serve the needs of these labour force in addition to interventions by estate developers.

The hinterlands have been reduced to scattered farming hamlets with some having poor road surface conditions linking communities. These areas are characterized by migrant farmers who work in the farms of the local inhabitants. These areas coincide with the food basket of the district. However, there are bigger communities which have sprung up in these areas as a result of mining activities. These communities include Daatano, Watereso, Abore, Bonsaaso, and Tontokrom. The mining activities have attracted population to these areas. These communities serve as growth centre to the surrounding hinterlands

There is the need for effective and efficient planning in the district to take care of the ever growing population to prevent pressure on the few existing facilities.

Population Density

The population density of the district has been increasing over the years. In the year 1984, the population density was 62.77p/ km2. It increased to 79.38 p/km2 in 2000 and currently stands at 102.67p/ km2. This situation even though not alarming, efforts is required to keep it in check to avoid pressure on both natural resources and other physical infrastructure.

Household Characteristics

A typical household in the district is comprised by the head, spouse, children and other relatives. There are 7 different household types within the district. The male-headed households constitute the largest proportion (81.4%) followed by female-headed households (18.6%). Female-headed households are mostly single-parent households as their male companion has either died or is away. The average household size is 5.2 persons. On average each household has 2.9 adults (18 years and older) and 2.3 children.

Table: Household types in Amansie West

Household Type	Percentage of Total
Male headed- single wife	70.3
Male headed- polygamous	5.5
Female headed widowed- single	9.1
Female headed widowed-polygamous	1.2
Female headed husband away	3.4
Male headed- divorced or single, widower	5.6
Female headed- divorced or single	4.9

Source: MVP – baseline Report (2008)

 

It is evident from the table above that male headed – single wife type of household dominates the district. Polygamy is very limited in the district. This is provides a platform for unity in the overall development of the district. Again, the above depicts the dominance of males in all aspect of local development. There is the need to consult wider in development planning and implementation and further to involve women since there will be the temptation to only consider males especially when consultation is restricted to head of households.

 

The table below indicates the household composition of the District.

Table: Household Composition in Amansie West

Household Type	Percentage of Total
Only one member	8%
2 – 3 members	8%
4 – 5	20%
6 – 7	21%
8 – 9	14%
Above 9	8%

Source: MVP – baseline Report (2008)

Household Income

The average income in district is $230 per person per year with the median income at $103. Per-capita income was used to estimate income quartiles. Each household is categorized into one of four income quartiles—groups with 25% of the total population each Three quarters of the households can be considered extremely poor—living with less than US$ 0.7 a day, while the upper quartile make up to US$4.5 a day. The difference between the upper and lower quartiles is significant (US$ 4.35 per person per year).

The three main sources of income of households in the District can be categorized as agriculture, non-agricultural activities and remittances. As expected, agriculture is the main source of income in the area, accounting for 73 percent of the total, while other income generating activities such as commerce, trade and on- and off-farm employment generate 24% of the total. Remittance accounted for only 3% of the household income.

EthnicityandReligion

The district’s population is made up of four main ethnic groups. The largest group, the Akans, accounts for 86.4% of the population. Other ethnic groups are the Northerners (9.7%), the Ewe (3.6%) and the Ga (1.1%). The ethnic group composition has important socio-cultural implications in terms of intervention design and development. The population in district is predominantly Christians (79.4%). Muslims constitute about 8%, while the remaining 12.8% either are Pagans or are part of small sects.  Dominant churches in the District include: Roman Catholics, Pentecostals and Methodists. These ethnic groupings are coexisting in harmony and make it convenient for promotion, development and growth of businesses.

(Source, Amansie West Medium Term Development Plan)

 

Age and Sex Distribution

The sex structure of the district’s population indicates 49.1% males and 50.9.% females. This phenomenon is a true reflection of the national situation. This situation indicates the need for effective policies toward the improvement of females. The age structure of the economy depicts that of a typical developing economy. The broad age structure indicates 45.8% for the 0-14 age cohort, 5.1% for the 65 + and 49.1% for 15-64 age cohort.

Table : Population Sex Structure

	ASHANTI REGION			AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT
	Males (%)	Female (%)	Total (%)	Males (%)	Female (%)	Total (%)
0-14	41.98	41.99	41.9	23.2	22.6	45.8
15-64	51.06	52.78	51.9	23.7	25.4	49.1
65+	6.96	5.22	6.1	2.2	2.9	5.1
total	50.32	49.67	100	49.1	50.9	100

Source: Census Reports, 2000

 

From the table above, the dependant population of the district i.e. the age cohort 0-14 and 65+ forms 50.9% of the total population and that females are more than males. This phenomenon calls for the promotion of female and children related goods and services.

Labour Force

Table 1.3.4 above reveals that the District labour force (the economic active group i.e. 15 – 64) is 49.1% of the total population. This implies that, when there is full employment in the district, a total of 68,761 people will be engaged in one of the occupations in the district. This situation means that, there is existing labour force to support business interventions.

Table 1.6.1 The Structure of the District Economy

SECTOR	PERCENTAGE EMPLOYED
1.     Agriculture	70%
2.     Service	8%
3.     Manufacturing/mining	22%

Source: MoFA-AWDA, 2009

Form the table; it is evident that agriculture is the leading employing sector of the local economy. This is followed by the manufacturing sector which basically is made up of the mining sub sector. The service sector is the least. It is therefore important to formulate policies to increase the percentage employed by the manufacturing sector and the services sector.

 

Dependency Ratio

The dependency ratio of the district is 1:1.04 This by implication, indicates that, on the average, the one economically active individual takes care of an adult and a child in the district.

Even though the ratio does not show a heavy burden on the active population, efforts should be made towards the formulation of policies to reduce burden on the active population.

 

Rural Urban Split

During the 2000 housing and population census, none of the communities in the district had a population equivalent to that of urban if the threshold for attaining urban status is 5,000 inhabitants. However, the situation was different in 2006. In this year, a total of two communities had reached urban status. Currently, the rural urban split is 96.2% rural to 3.8% urban. This implies that there is the need for effective population policies that will be directed at bridging the gap between the rural and urban areas.

Surface Accessibilities

Services are provided within a geographic setting to serve a given threshold population. Physical accessibility studies have been undertaken to determine areas that are easily accessible to facilities and services within the district that are not necessarily in their localities. Four services and facilities have been considered. These are:

Health                                                             Hospital / Health Centre

Education                                            2nd Cycle Institution

Banking                                                           Rural Banks

Agriculture                                          Agric extension Service

In assessing physical access to facilities and services, various roads in the district were classified and defined according to the conditions and frequency of transport on the road. Four main types of roads were identified in the district. These are:

Table : Classes of Roads in the District

ROAD CLASS	ROADS
1st Class:	Kumasi – Pakyi – Obuase main road.
2nd Class:	Antoakrom – Mem junction – manso Nkwanta road
3rd Class:	Agroyesum – Kumpese – Akwasiso and others
4th Class:	All other Roads.

Table :Average Speed on Roads

	1st Class Road	2nd Class Road	3rd Class Road	4th Class Road
Estimated Speed	80km/hr	60km/hr	40km/hr	30km/hr
Average Waiting Time	10mins	30mins	2hrs	3hrs
Walking	3km/hr

Average speed on the various classes of roads considering waiting times are as follows:

1st Class Road                                                 (68.6km/hr)

2nd Class Road                                                            (40km/hr)

3rd Class Road                                                 (13km/hr)

4th Class Road                                                             (7.5km/hr)

Acceptable travel times to access each of the services/ facilities were determined. Areas which are able to reach a service/ facility within the stipulated time have access to the facility. This however, depends on which class of road is being used. The table below shows the district’s acceptable travel time to access various facilities/ services.

Table :Acceptable Travel Times to Access a Facility / Service

 

SERVICE / FACILITY	TRAVEL TIME
S. S. S. / Tech. / Voc	40mins
Hospital / Health Centre	30mins
Banking Services	40mins
Agric Extension Service	25mins

 

Summary of Poverty Pockets

The poverty pockets of the district have been summarized as follows:

Table : Summary of Poverty Pockets and Profiling

Local Council	Characteristics	Poverty Stricken Areas
Manso Nkwanta	Seat of the only paramouncy The District capital River Subin takes its source from this local council area Surrounded by lot of hills and valleys Smallest area council Houses District police headquarters	Kwahu, Essuminja, Bebuabour
Atwere	Has the only boarding secondary school which serve as the science resource centre Has small town water system Only local council without a health facility Rice cultivation	Kwankyeabo, Brofoyedru, Adukurama
Antoakrom	Easy access to road transport Banking activities Oil palm farming Swampy land for rice production Houses some of the key institutions in the District ( Cocobod, Rural bank headquarters)	Kobeda, Mpranease, Adwumam, Nyaade, Bensaase
Adubia	Has a secondary school Livestock farming Fish farming Swampy land for rice production	Asuadie, Domi-Beposo, Adimposo 1&2, Wahaso, Odahaso, Ayirebikrom
Ahwerewa	Vegetable production Has a secondary- technical school Has the only police station in the Bontefufuo traditional area	Korko, Hiaso, Abodease
Abore	Has the only rocky hills with natural carvings Availability of quarry stones There is mining activities (RAL)	Suntreso, Kyenkyenase, Nkaasu,Agyajukrom, Akontamu
Mpatuam	Livestock farming Most populous local council has the only alluvial gold company in Ghana Has the highest number of small-scale mining companies Has the highest rate of immigrants	Gyeninso – Akataniase, Bonteso, Aboabo- Tetekaso
Esuowin	Has the only vocational school Swampy land for rice production	Akokroso, Abrense
Datano	Has the largest gold mining company in the district Has the only airstrip	Yawkasakrom, Groso, Fawotrikye, Atraso, Dadeaso, Offinano-Kwakyeabo,
Mim	Has the only hospital Has the second largest river (Nwene) Citronella cultivation	Moshikrom, Nweneso, Mpatasie, Muawano, Afedie, Nniyinaanse
Keniago	Scattered settlements Has one of the largest forest reserves(Asumenya) Has the largest river in the District(River Offinho)	Domiabra, Pakyi No.6&7, Asaman, Mehandan, Kobreso Nyamebekyere, Edwinase, Beyerbon No.7 Abouso,Ayiem Fahiakobo
Watreso	Has the largest forest reserve in the District Very rural settlements Swampy land for rice production	Aboaboso, Apenimadi, Manukrom, Akyekyekrom, Hiamankyene, Ohiampeanika, Awiaso

Source: DPCU (2010)

 

 

District Economy

 

The Structure of the Local Economy

The local economy is made up of agriculture, services Industrial/manufacturing/mining.

Agriculture

While there are a few large farms and cocoa and oil palm plantations, small scale agriculture is predominantly practiced in the district. The average farm size is 12.8 acres or 5 hectares, with more than half of the households (63%) having holdings of about 10 acres or 4 ha. Farm size ranges from 1 acre (0.4 ha) to 74 acres (30 ha), with a median of 9 acres. Wealthier households tend to have larger farms almost twice as big as those in lower income.  Staple crops include cassava, cocoyam, plantain, yam and maize. Vegetables like garden eggs, tomatoes are also cultivated but to a lesser extent than staples. Cocoa is the main cash crop cultivated in the district and the ranked third in the nation. The table below indicates the production levels in food crops.

Vegetables are usually produced along the banks of rivers and at the valley bottoms during the minor season. Buckets, cups, watering cans, and sometimes small irrigation pumps and pipes are used to irrigate these gardens. The types of vegetables grown include pepper, garden eggs, okro, tomatoes, and cabbage. Vegetables are produced for household consumption and local markets.

Table : Crop Production (2007-2010) Metric Tonnes

Major Staple	2007	2008	2009	2010
Maize	1.4mt/ha	1.5mt/ha	1.9mt/ha	1.5mt/ha
Cassava	6.5mt/ha	6.3mt/ha	3.9mt/ha	13.9mt/ha
Cocoyam	5.6mt/ha	5.8mt/ha	3.75mt/ha	8.0mt/ha
Yam	5.1mt/ha	5.2mt/ha	1.25mt/ha	1.5mt/ha

Source:  MOFA AWDADU, 2010

 

Cocoa is purchased by authorized purchasing companies. However, most food crop production is consumed locally while the others are purchased at the farm gate at lower prices at by middlemen/women and re-sold in the large cities and towns such as Kumasi, Obuasi, Bekwai, Dunkwa and elsewhere far beyond the borders of the region. These low prices can be attributed to lack of adequate marketing facilities, storage facilities, high transportation cost and value addition etc. In addition, as a result of poor road surface condition, most of the farmers are unable to transport their farm produce from the farms to the farm gates leading to post harvest losses.

Citronella cultivation was introduced by Amansie Resolute as part of its restoration programme as a response to environmental requirement. The cultivation of this crop attracted about 70% of the farmers due to the high demand for its oil. The Ministry Of Trade and Industry realizing the potentials of the plant also came in to support by providing processing plant to support the farmers. The table below indicates the current figures as to those currently cultivating the grass in the district.

 

Table : Employment levels

Name Of Community	Percentage Of Farmers
Abodom Dome	21.7
Asamang	9.3
Yawkrom	5.0
Mem	12.4
Atwere	5.0
Manso Nkwanta	2.5
Noninase Nkran	31.1
Dadiese	6.8
Moseaso	2.5
Atoborakrom	1.9
Ayirebikrom	0.6
Kensere	1.2
Total	100

Source: DPCU Sample Survey (Sept. 2010)

The challenges that confronted the citronella were that farmers were unable to acquire adequate working capital for expansion of the cash crop that compelled the plant to operate below capacity while poor management collapsed the plant all together.

Livestock Production

Free animal rearing (mostly poultry, sheep and goats) is done on very small basis at the household level. The sub sector can be promoted on large scale basis such as ranches poultry farms etc. however, high cost of investment has prevented farmers from venturing into larger scale production in that subsector.

ACTIVITIES OF MOFA

ADMINISTRATION

Amansie West District Agricultural Development Unit (AWDADU) is headed by a District Director of Agriculture who is supported by seven (7) District Development Officers (DDO’s), an Accountant, 19 Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) and two (2) supporting staff.

The district is divided into four (4) zones and made up of twenty-five (25) operational areas. An operational area consists of 4-6 communities.  16 of the operational areas are manned by Agricultural Extension Agents.

MANAGEMENT

Management of AWDADU meets on the second Thursdays of each month to review work in the district.  Staff meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month. District Development Officers (DDOs)’ receive AEAs’ monthly reports on the third Thursdays of the month.

STAFF TRAINING

Monthly trainings are organized for staff where emerging appropriate technologies are transferred to AEA’s for onward dissemination to all stakeholders in agriculture.

 

 

REGISTRATION OF FARMERS

Agricultural Extension Agents are registering our main clients (farmers/fishers, livestock/poultry) in the district. As at 31st December 2010, the figures are as follows:

ENTERPRISE	MALE	FEMALE	TOTAL
CROPS	4,341	3,076	7,417
LIVESTOCK/POULTRY	3,972	2,830	6,802
FISH FARMING	59	20	79
TOTAL	8,372	5,926	14,298

SOURCE: AWDADU@31/December/2010>

Table : PRODUCTION OF MAJOR CROPS IN AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT

NO	CROP	METRIC TONNES
1	MAIZE	4,425
2	CASSAVA	40,300
3	PLANTAIN	29,925
4	COCOYAM	12,000
5	YAM	9,460
6	RICE	512.5

 

 

PROJECTS AND PROGRAMME

 

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION DELIVERY

Amansie West District Development Unit (AWDADU) carries out the core objectives of Ministry of Food and Agriculture in the district through the AEA’s.  AWDADU is also assisting in the implementation of other projects below:

MILLENNIUM VILLAGES PROJECT (MVP)

 

Six (6) AEA’s are assisting the project to build local capacity to undertake poverty reduction interventions in the field of agriculture in a sustainable manner. The project covers 30,000 people living in 30 contiguous communities. The AEA’s have motorbikes which is maintained monthly the project. AEAs execute these duties alongside their traditional extension delivery.

UNLEASING THE POWER OF CASSAVA IN AFRICA (UPoCA)

5 AEA’s and a DDO are assisting the District Director of Agriculture to implement this project in the district. 24 acre of seed farm has been established by 19 farmers in 12 communities. Improve cassava varieties are made accessible to farmers to help improve their farm productivity.   A total of 2,922 farmers have received 4-bundles of improved cassava planting materials. The UPoCA National Office is supporting the unit with funds to implement the project.

 

CARE /CADBURY COCOA PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME

The project is to empower cocoa growing communities to take leadership in meeting their long-term goals and delivering sustainable cocoa production. 14 AEA’s and 5 DDO’s are involved in the project which is being implemented in 18 communities. It is a 10 year project with primary objective of making significant progress in sustainable cocoa supply for 500 communities by 2018.

The number of communities will increase to thirty-five (35) by March 2011.

 

GHANA SUSTAINABLE AND COMPETITIVE COCOA PROJECT

The main objective the project is to assist cocoa farmers to increase production.

72 farmers in 6 groups were given loan package of Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢500.00) in the form of inputs such as insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. The loan package was channeled through Amansie Rural Bank. Six (6) AEA’s provide technical assistance to the beneficiary farmers.

The repayment of the loan by beneficiaries was not very encouraging and as a result the project has stalled since the beginning of 2010.

COCOA HI – TECH PRGRAMME

Amansie West District Agricultural Unit (AWDADU) is assisting Ghana Cocoa Board in the cocoa Hi-Tech Programme. The District Director of Agriculture is the agent for Ghana Cocoa Board in the sale of fertilizers to cocoa farmers. In 2010 the unit sold 20,000 fertilizers to farmers to boost cocoa production and assist in achieving the 1 million metric tonnes target for 2012.

 

BLOCK FARMING

The block farming programme was implemented at Manukrom in the Akyerekyerekrom operation. Twenty-one (21) acres of grain rice “JASMINE” was cultivated by 18 youth. The total cost of inputs supplied to the farmers was Two Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety–Two Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,692.00).  The Farmers will repay the amount without any interest at the end of the harvesting period. The unit plans to expand the courage next year to about 100 Ha (250 Acres)

However, illegal mining activities (“galamsey”) have taken over the site of the 2010 block farm.

INTRODUCTION

Location

Amansie Central District is one of the 27 Administrative Districts in the Ashanti Region. It was

carved from the then Amansie East District in 2004. It has about 220 communities or settlements with estimated population of about 110,026 people. Jacobu is the district capital.

The district is situated in the forest belt of Ashanti Region. It is bounded by Obuasi Municipality, Bekwai Municipality, Amansie West, Adansi North, Adansi South and Upper Denkyira districts. The district can be found within Latitudes 6°00 N and 6°30 N and Longitudes 1°00W and 2°00W. The total area is 710 square kilometres.

Climatic Conditions

The district experiences bi – modal rainfall distribution with the major season falling between March and July, whilst the minor season is between September and November.  This is separated by short cool dry season in August and a relatively long dry season from November to March. The annual amount of rainfall ranges between 1500mm and 1800mm with mean relative humidity of about 70 percent. Temperature ranges between 20°C and 32°C with mean at 28°C.

Vegetation

 

The vegetation in the district is semi-equatorial forest. Some of the tree species found in the area include Odum, Wawa, Edinam, Mahogany and Sapele. There are two main forest reserves in the district and these are Oda and Subin.

Relief and Drainage

 

The district is located within the forest plateau region with an average height of about 150m above sea level. Topographically, the area is relatively flat with occasional undulating upland of 240m to 300m above sea level around areas such as Numereso, Apitisu, Tweapease and Abuakwaa.

There are two main rivers in the District. These are Oda and Offin which are perennial. There are other minor rivers, some of which flow throughout the year.

SOIL AND AGRICULTURAL LAND USE

 

Soil Types

The district has 5 main soil types. These are:

Bekwai – Oda,

Mim–Oda,

Asikuma–Atewa-Ansum/Oda,

Kumasi-Asuansi/Nsuta-Offin

Birim-Awaham/Chichiwere compound associations.

The Bekwai-Oda Compound Association

 

These soils are developed over lower Birimian rocks which are moderately drained and are good for the cultivation of food crops such as maize, cassava, cocoyam, plantain and banana. Low-land and valley bottom soils are also recommended for vegetables. These soils are found around Tweapease, Manfo, Odahu, Mile 14 and 9, Jacobu and Patase.

Mim-Oda Compound Association

These soils are developed over lower Birimian rocks, which are well drained and suitable for tree crops such as cocoa, coffee, oil palm, avocado pear and citrus. These soils are found in the southern part of the district around Subima, Mile 14, Apitisu and Fenaso.

Asikuma-Atewa-Ansum/Oda Compound Association

 

These soils are developed over upper Birimian rocks. They are well drained and suitable for tree crops such as cocoa, coffee, oil palm, avocado pear, citrus and forestry. These soils are found around Suhyenso, Wrowroso and Aboo.

Kumasi-Asuansi/Nsuta-Offin Compound Association

 

These are developed over Cape Coast granite rocks, which are well drained. They are suitable for the cultivation of tree crops such as cocoa, coffee, oil palm, avocado pear and citrus, as well as food crops such as maize, cassava, cocoyam, and plantain. The lowland and valley bottom soils are suitable for rice, sugar cane and vegetables. These soils are found around Akrofrom, Begroase and Amponya.

 

 

Birim-Awaham/Chichiwere Compound Association

 

These soils are developed over alluvial deposits, which are very deep, loose and excessively drained. They are suitable for the cultivation of rice, sugar cane and vegetables. They are found around Kobro, Wromanso and Nkyensendaho.

 

Land Tenure

Lands are owned by chiefs and family heads who hold in trust on behalf of subjects and family members respectively. Land ownership has rendered land fragmented and has made commercial farming very difficult. This has contributed immensely to smaller farm sizes per farmer in the district.

Mineral Deposits

The district has large deposits of gold. This has led to proliferation of large and small scale mining activities. Anglo Gold Ashanti is the leading mining company in the district. Illegal mining activities such as “galamsey” operations are highly patronized by the youth.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

 

Population Sizes and Growth Rates

 

The current population of the district is estimated at 110,026 people based on the 3% growth rate with 81871 as base population in the year 2000 (Table 1).

Table 1: Population sizes and growth rates

Area	2000	2010	Growth Rate
Amansie Central District	81,871	110,026	3.0
Ashanti Region	3,612,950	4,747,996	3.4
National	18,912,079	23,458,808	2.7

Sources: 2000 National Population and Housing Census

Population Density

The land area is 710 sq km. With the current estimated population of 110,026 people the population density may be estimated at 155 persons/sq km. This figure is relatively high. Being an agrarian economy, the high population density has many constraints, especially on land resource utilization. This affects agriculture in terms of reduced average farm size per head in the district.

Household Size

 

The average household size is estimated at 5.5 persons which is higher than the national average of 5.2 persons. This implies each household has a larger number of people to feed, clothe and house.

Labour force

 

According to the 2000 Population and Housing Census, the district has an economically active population of 47.6% as against 52.4% of inactive population. Out of the economically active population (47.6%) about 32.3% are employed, implying that the employed have many dependants to feed, clothe and house.

Occupational Distribution

 

Agriculture employs 80% of the population followed by Service with 11 %.( Table 2).

Table 2: Occupational Distribution

 

Occupation	Male	Female	Total
Agriculture	42.6	38.4	80
Service	6.3	4.7	11
Commerce	5.0	3.5	8.5
Industry	0.3	0.2	0.5
TOTAL	54.2	46.8	100

For a sustained development of the district, there is the need to reduce dependency on primary production and encourage value addition to the numerous agricultural raw materials. This calls for promotion of small and medium scale processing facilities.

 

Migration Trends

 

Migration is a major feature of the population in the district. Since the economy is mainly agrarian most of the youth who do not want to engage in agriculture move out of the district to search for more lucrative jobs in either Obuasi or Kumasi.

 

Culture

 

Traditional Set Up

 

Traditionally communities are ruled by local chiefs supported by their elders including family heads. Queen mothers also play a major role in decision making in the communities. Indeed they are the king makers.

All chiefs owe allegiance to the Paramount Chief of Bekwai. The highest traditional authority in the district is the Bekwai Traditional Council headed by the Omanhene of Bekwai/Ashanti.

Ethnic Diversity

 

The natives who are Ashantis form the major ethnic group with the influx of other minor ethnic groups due to farming, ‘galamsey’ activities and other secular jobs.

Attitude and Practices

 

The people are generally friendly and sociable. They are sensitive to issues and policies of the government and fully participate in public fora, funerals, festivals and other social activities.

Culture and Development

Generally, the cultural practices create conducive atmosphere for development and private sector participation. The fact that there is only one dominant ethnic group indicates oneness, understanding and peace among the people giving no room for ethnic conflict. The friendly and sociable attitudes of the people are positive attributes that give warm welcome to strangers. Taboo days give time for the people to undertake communal work.

 

 

 

MAJOR AREAS OF OPERATION

The operations of the Directorate cover three (3) major areas, and these are crops, livestock and fisheries.

Crops

Crop-farmers in the District cultivate tree crops, food crops and vegetables.

Tree Crop

Among the tree crops, the major ones are cocoa, citrus and oil palm. Cocoa alone covers about 50-60% of the total arable land area in the district. Oil palm plantations are also wide-spread in the District, giving rise to the establishment of many small scale processing mills. Citrus is also gradually gaining grounds in the district.

 

Food Crops

Major food crops grown in the district are cassava, plantain, maize, rice and   yam. Among the food crops cassava and maize are grown extensively. Large scale production of food   crops is non existent probably due mainly to fragmented nature of land as a result of ownership. Average food crop farmland per farmer is 1 acre. The consequence of this situation is low production and hence low income per farmer.

 

Vegetables

Vegetable production is mostly patronised by the youth. The most popular ones are pepper, garden eggs, and tomatoes. Average farm size per farmer is 1.5 acres. These are grown intensively in the minor season. However, farmers whose lands are along the banks of rivers  Oda and Offin cultivate in the dry season as well, using pumping machines to draw water from these rivers to irrigate the crops.

 

Livestock/Poultry

Small ruminants (sheep and goats) are the most important among livestock reared in the district. These are reared on free range. Small ruminant population ranges from 18,000 to 20,000. Cattle and pigs are reared in areas such as Adinkra, Aketekyieso, Mile 9 and Fiankoma. Cattle are reared semi-intensive whilst pigs are reared both intensive and extensive. There are two medium scale piggeries at Adinkra camp and Aboo with a total population of 485 pigs.

Local birds are reared by each household. Average number per household is 5. Major mortality factor is Newcastle disease. There are three (3) commercial poultry farms in the district. These are Alhaji Iddi farms, Dina farms and Jerusalem Agricultural Investment Limited at Asikasu, Afoako and Homase respectively.

 

Fisheries

Fish farming is concentrated in areas around Tweapease and Kankanfrase. At Adubirem, a mine-pit has been converted into fish pond. The surface area is about one hectare. Smaller ponds can also be found at Homase and Asikasu. The major fish type is tilapia.

Other projects and programmes

Activities of the District Agricultural Development Unit (DADU) also covers projects and programmes such as Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control (CODAPEC), Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP), Unleashing the Power of Cassava in Africa (UPoCA) and Sustainable Tree Crop Project (STCP).

CODAPEC

Under this project an average of 446 youth are employed yearly from August to December. It is therefore a major source of employment for the youth. Between 60,000 – 80,000 hectares of cocoa farms are sprayed yearly.

UPoCA

The project is aimed at encouraging farmers to cultivate improved cassava to enhance high yields, high income and food security. Improved cassava seed farms established in various locations in the district are sources of improved cassava planting materials that are supplied to farmers.

STCP

The objective of this programme is to train farmers in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach in cocoa production in order to improve yields and livelihood of cocoa farmers. Training methodology is the Farmer Field School (FFS) concept. Improved planting materials are supplied to farmers to rehabilitate their old farms or establish new ones..

Cocoa Hi-tech Trials

Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), in collaboration with the Directorate, is conducting fertilizer and insecticide trials on cocoa in the district. The programme is ongoing. The fertilizer under trial is Cocoa Master whilst insecticides are Aceta Star and Rimon-Star.

RTIMP

The established secondary multiplication fields are periodically coppiced and distributed to farmers in the district.

National Cockerel Project

The project was started in the latter part of 2010. The district has since taken delivery of 600 (8 weeks old) birds from Regional Agricultural Development Unit (RADU) and supplied to 30 farmers at relatively lower price. It is one of the most patronised projects by farmers in the district

Fertilizer Subsidy Programme

The programme is Government’s intervention aimed at reducing cost of fertilizers and making them more affordable and accessible to farmers. Since its inception about 3000 bags of fertilizers have been made available to farmers in the district and the patronage is high. Hitherto, very few farmers applied fertilizers on their crops

INTRODUCTION

Demographics, Weather, Land Use, Investments Etc

The Ahafo Ano South District is one of the 27 Administrative districts of the Ashanti Region. It was carved out of the old Ahafo Ano District Council in pursuance of the decentralization programme in 1988.

The district is located on Latitude 642”N, and longitude 45’N and 2 20’’ W. It is located on the North-Western part of the region, bounded in the north by Tano District (Brong Ano North Region), in the South by Atwima District, in the west by Ahafo Ano North District and in the east by the Offinso District all in Ashanti Region.

The District covers a total surface area of about 1241 km sq., representing 5.8% of the region’s total surface area. With the above description of location, the district can be said to fall within the forest belt of Ghana.

The District Capital, Mankranso, is located 34km north-west of Kumasi on the Kumasi-Sunyani highway. Other major settlements include Sabronum, Kunsu, Mpasaaso 1&11, Adugyama, Wioso, Ahwerewam, Pokukrom, Domeabra and Abesewa. The district is divided into 10 Area councils and sub divided into 42 Electoral areas.

WEATHER

CLIMATE:

The climate of the district is the wet semi-equatorial type. The mean monthly temperature is about 26°C. Maximum temperature of about 29°C is recorded in March and April just before the onset of the rainy season.

The rainfall pattern consists of two rainy seasons. The major season is usually between March and July with June as the peak period. The minor season is between late September and November. The mean annual rainfall ranges between 150-170cm. Rainfall totals and incidence very widely from year to year. The number of rainy days average about 100-120 days a year’ with 75% of these occurring during the major season. The months of December through March are virtually dry (harmattan period). The relative humidity is high especially in the rainy seasons and early mornings. Mankranso has a relative humidity of about 90 percent. The north-western winds could at times reduce relative humidity to as low as 70 percent between December and January.

LAND USE

 

 

Arable land

The district is endowed with arable land. About 80 percent of the land is suitable for crop cultivation with around 60% of the arable land being under cultivation. Maize, rice, cassava, yam, cocoyam and plantain are the main food crops cultivated. The soils and the rainfall regime do support different types of agricultural produce such as citrus, cocoa, oil palm, plantain, cassava, tomatoes, maize and rice. Some settlements like Wioso, Ahwerewam and Sabronum, which lie along the forest reserves experience severe shortage of farmlands.

There is encroachment on forest reserves for faming activities and also for wildlife. According to the farmers, the fertile forest reserves are being wasted.

GEOLOGY AND MINERALS

The district forms part of the Birimian formations-mainly phyllites and schist-intruded with granite rocks.

TOURISM

Tourism is under developed in Ahafo Ano South District. However, good quality kente is produced in places like Nsutem, Barniekrom and Nyinanufu. These villages could be developed into craft villages for the purposes of tourism. There is also an ancient royal mausoleum at Sabronum which has greater potential for tourism development.

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

The District is endowed with rice mineral deposits such as Gold, Bauxite, Manganese, Clay, Quarry stone and Sand.

MINERALS

Gold, bauxite, manganese, quarry stone, clay deposits and sand and stones form the mineral resource base of the district. Areas like Kunsu, Sabronum and Barniekrom have gold deposits. Evidence exists at Kunsu, Dwinyama and Sabronum as old mining sites. Prospecting activities have been completed at Mpasaso, Mankranso, Kunsu, Bonkwaso and Sabronum. In fact viability has been established at the Bonkwaso site. It is envisaged that actual mining will start in the foreseeable future.

Bauxite deposits are found at Aya Hills and Mpasaso as part of the Nyinahin Bauxite deposits. Considerable deposits of manganese are found at Asirebuso camo, 5 kilometres South of Mpasaso. Clay deposits found at Hwibaa-Wioso-Asuabei Biemso II and Mankranso have been tested by the Building and Road Research Institute of the CSIR and  looking for investors in this area.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Demographic information of the District is based on the 2000 population and housing Census results.

POPULATION SIZE AND GROWTH:

The total population of the District in 1984 was 81,828. However, the population of the District in 2000, according to the 2000 population and housing census, is 133,632 representing about 3.7 percent of the Regions total population of 3,612,950. The current projected population of the district is 142,046. Males constitute 55.2 percent and females represent about 44.8 percent. The sex ratio stands at 123.2 males to 100 females. Using 1984 population as the base year, the annual growth rate is estimated at 3.1 percent. This growth rate is considered to be high as compared to the regional rate of 2.5%. This high growth rate is largely due to natural factors (high fertility rate and low mortality rate) and migration.

POPULATION DENSITY

Ahafo Ano South District has a total land area of 1241 sq. km. however; the population of the district keeps on increasing at an alarming rate over the years. The population density of the district 1984 was 65.9 per sq. km. This figure increased to 77.1 and 90.0 in 1990 and 1995 respectively. The population density for 2000 is 107.2.

 

 

MAJOR CROPS PRODUCED

 

Total number of holders engaged in the various crops in the district is Tabulated below:

CROP	MAIZE	RICE	CASSAVA	COCOYAM	YAM	PLANTAIN	TOMATO	PEPPER
NUMBER	19,718	1,749	20,584	17,593	1,217	20,068	5,555	3,025

Average cropped area per holder for the various crops:

CROP	MAIZE	RICE	CASSAVA	COCOYAM	YAM	PLANTAIN	TOMATO	PEPPER
AREA	0.42	0.58	0.51	0.52	0.3	0.56	0.4	0.2

Estimates for yield per hectare for the various crops:

CROP	MAIZE	RICE	CASSAVA	COCOYAM	YAM	PLANTAIN	TOMATO	PEPPER	OKRO
YIELD	2.0	5.7	9.8	8.5	6.5	9.6	7.8	1.5	3.5

AREA CROPPED FOR THE MAJOR CROPS

CROP	YEAR – 2010
MAIZE	12,436
RICE	687
CASSAVA	12,096
YAM	83.2
COCOYAM	11,853
PLANTAIN	9,836
TOTAL	46,991.2

PRODUCATION ESTIMATES FOR MAJOR CROPS IN THE DISTRICT (IN METRIC TONNES)

CROP	YEAR – 2010
MAIZE	24,872
RICE	3915.9
CASSAVA	118,540.8
YAM	540.8
COCOYAM	100,750.5
PLANTAIN	94,425.6
TOTAL	343045.6

GOVERNMENT FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAMME

The programme started nationwide on the 22nd of June, 2010. This year’s programme abolished the “coupon system” and adopted the “way bill system”.  Out of the five (5) retail shops that registered with the directorate (MoFA – Ahafo Ano South), only two of the shops brought in fertilizers to sell to farmers. A total of 963 males and 364 female(s) farmers benefited from the programme.

The table below depicts the sale of the fertilizer in 2010.

Name of shop	Location	Type of fertilizer
		16:16:16	15:15:15	SOA	Urea	23:10:05
Adom Enterprise Enebel ventures Cocoa inputs Doberk Agro services Doberk Agro services	Mankranso Adugyama Kunsu Kunsu Adugyama	550 – – – –	– 300 – – –	200 50 – – –	100 100 – – –	100 550 – – –
Total		550	300	250	200	650

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS

 

CODAPEC:

The district is a beneficiary of the CODAPEC mass spraying project. The district carries out mass spraying for both black pod and Capsid control.2’

The Black pod control programme has a total of 108 gangs and the capsid has a total of 20 gangs. For the Blackpod and the Capsid programmes, the district has a total of 128 gangs.

Japan International Research Centre for Agric science (JIRCAS) project.

 

The JIRCAS project is aimed at rice field reclamation to improve rice production in the country under the “SAWAH” system of rice production. Many sites have been selected and beneficiary groups or farmers are beings supported through training as well as material and equipment support.

The beneficiary groups or farmers are assisted to carry out various field activities through on-farm trainings by Extension Officer. The district has a total of 9 Extension Officers for the project.

INLAND VALLEY RICE DEVELOPMENT (IVRDP) PROJECT

The project started in 2004 with the aim of ensuring food security and poverty reduction and also to reduce rice importation by 30%. It also seeks to assist farmers to raise production form 1.5 tons/ha to 4.5 tons/ha by the end of the 5 years project

FARMER GROUPS

Farmer group formed

Target              30

Achieved         24

 

LAND DEVELOPMENT

Land development activities at Biemso 1, Potrikrom, Adugyama, D/Nkwanta and Odikro Nkwanta — work completed 54%

TRAINING

Farmers training

Target              15

Achieved         9

Seed Rice production

Target              –           1000 bags

Achieved         –           610 bags

CARE INTERNATIONAL / CARGILL PROJECT:

This project is being implemented by Care International, an NGO, and funded by CARGILL, a cocoa processing company. The project which started in 2007 is aimed at improving cocoa production as well as a reduction in child labour. Thirty-five communities are being supported in the district through the supply of spraying machines (Knapsack and motorized), supply of improved cocoa pods and trainings. The project is in its 3rd phase.

WEST AFRICA FAIR FRUITS (WAFF) UTZ COCOA CERTIFICATION PROJECT:

This project is aimed at improved cocoa production through certification of cocoa beans for belter prices for farmers. This project is a collaboration between CARE INTERNATIONAL AND WAFF both are NGO’s. Five (5) Care International communities have been selected for this project in the District. Farmers have been trained in certification guidelines or rules and have received their letter of certification with Amarjaro Cocoa Buying Company ready to buy their cocoa at a good price.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

BLOCK FARM

A sixteen (16) acre grain rice production was undertaken by the district-in 2010. Four groups in four (4) communities were involved. A total of 15 members benefited from the programme. Inputs costing GH¢1,572.00 were distributed to the groups based on the acreage cultivated.

NB: Recovery agreement: Farmers were to sell their produce and make the total payment by 15th January, 2010.

LIVESTOCK

Treated about 65% of livestock cases even through transportation to most of the communities was difficult.

During the period stake holders training on identification of the common disease such as ASF,PPR, Mange and New castle disease in poultry.

Some of the technologies demonstrated is tabulated blow:

Technologies demonstrated:

	Target	Achieved
Construction of improved housing	62	58
Supplementary feeding	75	69
Deworming	68	63

TECHNOLOGIES DEMONSTRATED (CROPS)

Technology transferred to farmers by AEAs was carried out through the establishment of demonstrations.

Among the technologies transferred were:

	No of  participants involved		Total
	Male	Female
Correct use of agro-chemicals	1223	922	2,145
Row planting for optimum production	1897	910	2,807
Seed/planting materials and multiplication techniques	788	411	1,199
Pest/Disease recognition, prevention and control	807	463	1,270
Post harvest of food grains/legumes and storage	346	210	556
Improve crop varieties	917	666	1,583
Cocoa Nursery practices and Diseases	1161	535	1,696
Vegetable production	879	398	1,277
Plantain suckers multiplication	315	190	505
Soil fertility improvement techniques/ management	205	113	318
GRAND TOTAL	8,538	4,818	13,376

Total Number of participants involved was 13,376. Out of this total, 8,538 were males whiles 4,818 represented females.

EXTENSION: Home and Farm visit

DISTRICT	TARGET	ACHIEVED	BENEFICIARIES		REEMARKS
			MALE	FEMALE
Ahafo Ano South	3,240	2,709	8,256	5,289	13,545

 

ACHIEVEMENTS-2008-2010

SRID

The basic agricultural statistics (household and holders listing results also showed the following for the 3 years. Total holders targeted–25,000

Total holders listed:

2008          –           23,269

2009          –           24,317

2010          –           23,739

Area Targeted to be cropped by farmers–50,000 hectares. Actual area cropped in hectares

Area cropped 2008	Area cropped 2009	Area cropped 2010
44,127	46,326.5	46,991.2

Production estimates for the three-year period also showed

the following figures:

year	Production figures /Mltons
2008	332,294.2
2009	341,758.72
2010	343,045.6

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

GEOGRAPHIC, CLIMATIC, SOILS AND GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT

LOCATION AND SIZE

The district lies between latitudes 6° 47’ N and 7° 02’ N, and longitudes 2° 26’ W and 2° 04’ W. It shares common boundaries with Tano South and Asutifi Districts of Brong Ahafo and Ahafo Ano South District in the Ashanti Region.

According to the Ahafo Ano North District profile of 2009, the total land area of the district is 57,340 ha.

RELIEF AND DRAINAGE:

The District is characterized by gentle rolling landscape drained by many rivers, the major one being the Tano River. It has been said that the River Tano can be dammed for irrigation and hydro electric power. Below are maps of the District showing its relief and drainage and also vegetation and crop pattern.

CLIMATE

The district is in the wet semi equatorial zone with double maxima rainfall in June and October. It has a mean annual rainfall of 1,750mm, with fairly high temperatures of between 26° C in August and 30° C in March. These conditions favour the cultivation of cocoa, citrus, oil palm and many food crops like maize, rice, cassava, plantain, as well as vegetables like egg plant, tomato, okro, pepper, cabbage etc. The bi- modal rainfall pattern therefore conducive conditions for  major and minor cropping seasons.

District Annual Rainfall Distribution (2005 – 2010)

MONTH	2005 (mm)	2006 (mm)	2007 (mm)	2008 (mm)	2009 (mm)	2010 (mm)
January	0	13	9.8	0	0	0
February	74.2	50.6	24.3	4.2	46.5	99.6
March	129.6	117.8	91.9	58.6	123.08	72.6
April	240.5	192	146.6	97.1	172.0	63.6
May	171.4	256.6	93	189.0	162.4	110.2
June	105.0	155	129.8	99.7	206.7	190.8
July	63.1	110.7	64	160.5	169.7	205.3
August	37.9	36.6	42.1	166.6	36.5	165.4
September	510.2	121.5	98.4	50.0	88.6	172.23
October	126.5	311.5	320.2	200.8	234.2	260.15
November	63.5	–	180.5	80.7	121.4	15.73
December	–	6.0	3.5	10.6	32.0	39.84
Total	1521.9	1371.3	1204.1	1117.8	1393.08	1395.45
Mean	126.8	114.3	100.3	93.15	116.09	116.28

Source:    SRID/MOFA (DADU)

SOILS:

The district exhibits three (3) major soil types and these are: Adjaso Hwidiem Association, Susan Simple Association and Biri Chichiwere Association.

The soils in the district are generally fertile and support the cultivation of the so many cash, food and vegetable crops as already listed above under climate.

GEOLOGY AND MINERALS

The Birimian and Dahomeyan formation underlie the land area, with the Birimian rock so far being the most important geological formation in the district, as it is known to contain most of the mineral deposits. Sources indicate that Asuhyiae, Mabang and lately Subriso areas have some amount of gold deposits which must be prospected to ascertain their feasibility and viability of exploitation. There is also some amount of clay deposits at Subriso.

DEMOGRAPHIC FEATURES:

POPULATION GROWTH RATE, SIZE AND DISTRIBUTION BY SEX

Current population of the district is about 93,916 (2009 projection). Between 1994 and 2009 the population increased from 44,799 to 93,916.

The district has more males than females. Figures for 2009 are given as:

Total population – 93,916

Male                   – 49,118

Female                – 44,798

Those in the labour bracket (i.e. ages between 15 and 64) are about 54.0% of the total projected population.

 

Population density of the district is 125 persons per square kilometre. This is lower compared to Ashanti regional figure of 148 persons per square kilometre, but higher than the national figure of 79 persons per square kilometre. The average district household size is 5.

AGRICULTURAL LAND USE AND OTHER FEATURES OF AGRICULTURE

Out of the total land area of 57,340 ha, agricultural lands are 45,872 ha. A survey in 2002 gave:

• Area under cultivation as 3,061.96 ha
• Area not cultivated as 1,513.78 ha
• Area under inland waters as 860.1 ha

The main occupation of the people is farming, which according to the AHAFO ANO NORTH DISTRICT PROFILE, employs about 83% of the total labour force, both direct and indirect.

Agriculture in this District is mainly rain fed and takes the form of crop cultivation, poultry and livestock rearing. The environmental conditions in general favour the cultivation of cash crops like cocoa and oil palm as well as food crops like plantain, maize, cocoyam, rice, cassava. Vegetables cultivation is done generally all over the district but it is a major activity in communities like Asuhyiae, Tepa, Manfo, etc where some irrigation is done on small scale during the dry season.

The forest vegetation and steep slopes seem to discourage mechanized operations with tractors, making slash and burn the common practice. The use of power tillers for ploughing in the low lands for rice cultivation is being embraced by farmers. The use of weedicides for land preparation is also now very common. Mixed cropping is commonly practiced but some mono cropping is also done. Mixed farming is also practiced in Ahafo Ano North.

LAND TENURE SYSTEM

The land is vested in chiefs, family heads and individuals and structured into share cropping of Abunu and Abusa. Also practiced are cash rent and lease. These however lead to land fragmentations, hence major impediments to large scale commercial farming.

 

INVESTMENT POTENTIALS OF THE DISTRICT.

A number of investment opportunities exist in the district in both agricultural and non agricultural areas as seen below;

a) Cash crop production:

There is available suitable land for the cultivation of cash crops like cocoa and oil palm. The climatic conditions of the area as indicated earlier, also very much favour the cultivation of these crops. There is ready market and processing opportunities for the produce of these crops.

b) Low land Rice production:

There are over fifty (50) communities in the district where rice cultivation is done in the valleys, but productivity is often low due to improper land development.

c) Irrigation:

Serious cultivation of vegetables like tomato, egg plant, cabbage etc. is done in the major and minor cropping seasons in and around Manfo-Asuhyiae areas. Meanwhile rivers Tano, Abu, Bone, and Kwasu are said to have the potential of irrigating over 1,800 ha of land. This could be an area of investing in dry season vegetable cultivation in the said areas.

d) Agro Processing:

Majority of the working population are into the production of cocoa, plantain, cassava, citrus, cereals and vegetables, but due to the limited capacity to process farm produce, a chunk of harvests are sent outside the district without value addition, thereby yielding little dividence to the farmers. Agro processing of excess harvests delivered to the local market to avert waste during bumper harvest is therefore an investment potential worth considering.

–          Oil palm could therefore be processed into palm oil and palm kernel oil.

–          Cassava; into gari, flour and chips

–          Plantain; into flour and chips.

The Ahafo Ano North district, being the leading cocoa producer in the Ashanti region has abundant cocoa farms from which surplus broken pods can provide adequate raw materials that can be semi-processed into quality ASH (DOR) for subsequent conversion into the manufacture of ALATA soap and other detergents.

e) Others:

Similarly the huge clay deposits at Subriso could also be exploited and processed into a secondary raw material for the production and manufacture of tile bricks for the housing industry.

It must however be noted that investment in these areas will benefit the district and prospective investors tremendously, as the district will be put on a higher pedestal and at the same time help solve unemployment problems, increase the standard of living of the people and ultimately result in increase in per capita income of the district.

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT

DADU operates to contribute in achieving MOFA’s overall vision of having “a modernized agriculture culminating in structurally transformed economy and evident in food security, employment opportunities and reduced poverty”

DADU therefore ensures the effective implementation of overall MOFA objectives as presented below, for agricultural development and for the improvement in the general conditions of the people.

SUMMARY OF MAJOR ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT (DADU)

 

Major activities carried out by the District Agricultural Development Unit are summarized under the following areas:

CROPS:-

RTIMP (Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme)

It got started in the District in 2008 with an initial number of 14 farmers as cassava secondary multipliers, where 16 acres of Bankyehema and little of Nkabom (40 bundles) were planted. By 2010, a total number of 400 tertiary multiplication farmers had been supplied with the improved cassava planting materials.

STCP (Sustainable Tree Crop Project)

This commenced in the District in 2009 with the main objective of assisting cocoa farmers to increase cocoa production through increased yields. It initially began with 6 communities and increased by 6, bringing to 12 the total number of communities involved in the STCP. Under this, beneficiary groups of farmers are exposed to improved technologies through Farmer Field Schools and Video Viewing Clubs (VVCs).

BLOCK FARM

In the Ahafo Ano North District support was extended to 38 rice farmers to cultivate 50 acres of rice at three (3) sites in the district.

AEA FIELD DEMONSTRATION

From 2008 to 2010 demonstrations were conducted to introduce farmers to improved innovations and technologies in crop and livestock production. In all  187 demonstrations were conducted.

IVRDP (Inland Valleys Rice Development Project)

The project is being operated from Ahafo Ano South with one valley located at Odikro

Nkwanta in Ahafo Ano North.

COCOA HI-TECH

The District (DADU) received 4,500 bags of Cocoa fertilizer (1,500 of Asaase Wura and 3,000 bags of COCOFEED) from Ghana Cocoa Board and by December 31st. 2010, 2,302 bags of the Fertilizer were sold to cocoa farmers with a balance of 2,198 bags.

WIAD (Women In Agric Development)

Routine WIAD activities were carried out where farmers were generally sensitized on food safety, nutrition, income generation etc.

 

LIVESTOCK

The cockerel project started with the first phase in the Ashanti Region in the fourth quarter of 2010 and DADU took delivery of 280 eight weeks old cockerels from RADU. These were later distributed to 14 small holder farmers who received 20 cockerels each after training at DADU on basic husbandry practices. More farmers would be reached out to if the district is included in subsequent phases.

VETERINARY

The four (4) key activities that were undertaken during the year under review 

included: vaccination, local slaughter (meat inspection), treatment of sick animals and disease surveillance.

 

EXTENSION

HOME AND FARM VISITS

These involved daily, weekly and monthly visits carried out by AEAs in reaching out to farmers,

as well as monitoring and supervision by DOs and DDA.

 

FIELD DAYS

Normally conducted to demonstrate to farmers appropriate technologies that needed to be

adopted. These were fora organized to expose improved technologies to more farmers.

 

M & E ACTIVITIES

These mainly involved monthly meetings of DADU staff to deliberate on technical issues.

Others:

• The annual celebration of the District Level National Farmers’ Day was on schedule.
• The District Agricultural Development Unit (DADU) also ensured effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

MAJOR TOWNS IN THE DISTRICT

The district has 20 major settlements with about 1,867 hamlets and villages.

Top 20 Communities and Their Farming Population

Below are the top 20 communities and their farming population

NO.	TOWN	TOTAL POPULATION	FARMING POPULATION
1	Tepa	18,046	8,088
2	Asuhyiae	3,930	1,761
3	Anyinasuso	3,840	1,721
4	Akwasiase	3,797	1,701
5	Mabang	3,603	1,614
6	Abonsuaso	2,983	1,336
7	Manfo	2,629	1,178
8	Betiako	2,325	1,042
9	Subriso	1,645	737
10	Dwaaho	1,322	593
11	Twabidi	1,316	590
12	Kyekyewere	1,123	503
13	Achina	859	385
14	Katapei	805	361
15	Suponso	787	353
16	Jacobu	697	312
17	Bonkrom	628	281
18	Nyameadom	623	279
19	Bosikese	533	239
20	Akrofoso	469	210
TOTAL		51,960	23,284

 

DETAILED INFORMATION ON MAJOR CROPS PRODUCED:

Lying in the wet semi-equatorial zone with double maxima rainfall, the district has a mean annual rainfall of 1,750mm. The evenly distributed rainfall favours the cultivation of major food crops like; plantain, cassava, maize, cocoyam, rice, tomato, pepper, garden eggs, cabbage and also economic tree crops such, cocoa, oil palm and citrus. Other non-traditional crops like black pepper, ginger, pineapple etc are also being grown as emerging crops.

CROPPED AREA OF MAJOR CROPS (hectares)

Crop	2007	2008	2009	2010
Plantain	1,733.0	2,192.25	2,027.0	6,067.2
Cassava	1,325.3	1,615.50	1,531.0	4,168.8
Cocoyam	196.8	223.2	199.5	2,790.0
Rice	181.2	212.0	203.0	811.0
Maize	2,015.0	2,504.0	2,711.0	4,212.0
Tomato	145.7	167.0	183.0	336.0
Garden Eggs	48.3	64.3	85.0	288.0

CROP PERFORMANCE, i.e. District production figures for selected food crops ( mt)

Crop	2007	2008	2009	2010
Plantain	13,810.0	12,936.0	13,986.3	73,413.1
Cassava	9,253.0	11,240.0	12,248.0	39,603.4
Cocoyam	1,086.2	1,020.0	997.5	16,740.0
Rice	253.0	296.0	284.2	2,271.4
Maize	1,612.0	2,003.2	2,168.8	8,424.0
Tomato	873.4	1,052.0	1,189.5	2,352.0
Garden Eggs	173.8	244.3	348.5	1,584.0

Source: SRID (DADU)

Crop performance and production recorded a general improvement and increase over the years. The favourable environmental conditions and dissemination of improved technologies through interventions such as RTIMP, Block Farm, Inland Valleys Rice Development Project to farmers by DADU field staff are reasons attributable to this development.

 

District Cocoa Production Figures: (2002 – 2009)

YEAR	PRODUCTION (BAGS)	TONNAGE (M/TONS
2002/03	118,986	7,436.63
2003/04	168,754	10,547.13
2004/05	112,577	7,036.06
2005/06	185,169	11,573.06
2006/07	191,155	11,922.63
2007/08	186,472	11,654.50
2008/09	163,319	10,207.44

Source: District Cocoa Quality Control Unit – Tepa

The general increase in production from 118,986 to 163,319 bags might be attributed to adoption of improved technologies such as good agronomic practices, impact of cocoa mass spraying exercise under CODAPEC and the cocoa Hi-Tech Programme.

 

DETAILED INFORMATION ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Type of Livestock	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Cattle	376	406	618	1,488	1,788	1,967
Sheep	2,420	2,688	3,050	13,974	15,500	17,360
Goats	2,362	2,507	2,897	10,896	12,400	13,888
Poultry	25,010	26,441	25,233	67,324	75,402	98,022
Pigs	697	898	1,889	5,896	9,000	10,800
Turkeys	1,327	1,774	3,967	2,004	3,000	3,300
Guinea fowl	–	–	–	3,890	4,600	5,060
Ducks	3,496	4,301	6,249	7,496	8,500	9,350
Total	37,966	41,988	50,793	115,678	130,190	159,747

Source: SRID (DADU)

As seen in the above table, there is a general increasing trend in livestock population in the District. The favourable environmental conditions added to growing public interest in livestock rearing might have accounted for this phenomenon.

Another reason for these increases, especially for sheep and goats is the improved data collection by DADU staff.

• 2009 pets population:     Dogs = 4,235     Cats = 3,882
• 2010 pets population:     Dogs = 4,256     Cats = 3,901

DETAILED INFORMATION ON FISH PRODUCTION (Aquaculture)

Fish production in the District is done in fish ponds mainly in the valleys by interested farmers.

The table indicates details of current fish pond owners in the District.

LOCATION	NO/ SIZE	TYPES OF FISH	NAME OF FARMER
AKWASIASE	4 (45ft  x 90ft )	Tilapia & cat fish	Nana Atta
ASENKYEM	1 (100ft x 120ft)	Tilapia & cat fish	J. O. Mantey
AKROFOSO	3(64ft x 100ft)	Tilapia & cat fish	Kwaku Duah
TEPA	1(20ft x 25ft)	Tilapia & cat fish	John Alale
TEPA	1(12ft x 20ft)	Tilapia & cat fish	Nana Kwaku Oppong
TEPA	2(20ft x 25ft)	Tilapia & cat fish	Yaw Boafo

 

 

INFORMATION ON FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAMME:-

The Programme was instituted in 2008 by the Government to reduce the high cost of fertilizers in the country. At the end of 2008, eighty-two (82) booklets of fertilizer coupons were issued to 3,488 farmers (3,131 males and 351 females) to purchase fertilizers for use in the District.

The Programme continued in 2009 and 2010 with the following details:-

TYPE OF FERTILIZER	NO. OF BAGS ACCESSED BY FARMERS IN 2009	NO. OF BAGS ACCESSED BY FARMERS IN 2010	TOTAL BAGS ACCESSED
15-15-15	4,268	528	4,796
16-16-16	–	1,048	1,048
23-10-05	809	100	909
S/A	1,408	733	2,141
UREA	389	70	459
TOTAL	6,874	2,479	9,353

The programme had a general positive impact on yields and production levels of e.g. maize, rice and vegetables as farmers were able to access and use the fertilizers more than before.

INFORMATION ON SPECIAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES:-

CSSP II: From the inception of the project in 2009 to date, twelve (12) communities have been involved. The project is now focused on 2 main modules; VVC (Video Viewing Clubs) where video shows are used to teach farmers on cocoa agronomic practices, FFS (Farmer Field School) also concentrated on practical approach to coca agronomic practices.

The project  supplied cocoa pods, cocoa seedlings and economic tree seedlings to be planted by farmers on their cocoa farms as well as poly bags for healthy nursery establishment, all aimed at boosting  cocoa production in the District. Twelve (12) facilitators from beneficiary communities and two (2) AEAs from the District Agricultural Development Unit (DADU) received a month training that enhanced their capacity to handle the project.

JICA/MOFA RICE PROJECT (Sustainable Development of Rain-Fed Lowland Rice Production Project)

This got started in the district in 2010 in two (2) communities (Tepa and Anyinasuso). The two (2) AEAs manning those operational areas and the DO- CROPS are involved in the project activities.

Three (3) model demonstration plots were established with the involvement of three (3) groups located at: Katabo, Frenchman’s site and Anyinasuso.

RTIMP: Started in 2008 where 14 farmers were identified by the District for the RTIMP Programme and established 16 acres secondary multiplication fields of Bankyehema.

At the close of 2010, four hundred (400) tertiary farmers were supplied with cassava planting materials from secondary sites in the District.

2009 SPECIAL MAIZE SUPPORT PROGRAMME: Assistance was extended 31 farmers to enable them increase production in the face of the then harsh global economic situation. It has also been part of MOFA’s food security strategies.

 

FARMER REGISTRATION PROGRAMME: This exercise commenced in 2009 however, due to certain inadequacies and shortcomings associated with the exercise it was withdrawn and new software, the Agricregisoft introduced. Following this, training was conducted for DADU staff to build their capacity for the exercise. The farmer registration exercise resumed at an initial slow pace as AEAs found the forms rather complex and had initial difficulties but the situation improved as reflected in subsequent reports.

Following the initial challenges encountered which were later resolved, the exercise achieved modest success with a total of 1,713 farmers; 999 males and 714 females registered so far.

 

BLOCK FARM PROGRAMME: In line with government policy of accelerating Agricultural

modernization for food security and job creation particularly for the youth,  the block farming concept was being pursued.

In the Ahafo Ano North District support was extended to 38 rice farmers to cultivate 50 acres of rice at three (3) sites.

Farm inputs were therefore supplied by DADU to the respective farmers for the purpose. The package per acre included; 2 litres of Sarosate weedicide for land preparation, 20kg seed rice (Jasmine 85),1 litre Pronil Plus as post emergence herbicide, 2 bags of NPK 15:15:15 and a bag of Sulphate of Ammonia fertilizer. It was envisaged that this would contribute to increased rice production in the country at large.

INFORMATION ON NEW INITIATIVES:-

NATIONAL COCKEREL PROJECT: The cockerel project was formally rolled out as DADU took delivery of 280 eight weeks old cockerels from RADU and these were later distributed to 14 small holder farmers who received 20 cockerels each after training at DADU. The cockerels will be raised under the semi-intensive system of management and the notion is to enable farmers spend less on the birds and maximize income. The main aim of the project is to reduce poverty and increase the protein intake of households.

The programme is under close monitoring and supervision of the District Livestock Officer whilst AEAs offer technical support to beneficiary farmers to ensure the success of the    programme for its subsequent extension to other farmers in due course.

INFORMATION ON ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES 2008 -2010

NO	ACHIEVEMENTS
MAIZE FOLIAR FERTILIZER DEMONSTRATION	Six (6) field demonstrations of foliar fertilizer on Maize were conducted in all 3 agricultural zones in the District to show the relative performance and yield from three different fertilizer treatments for farmers’ adoption. In the end, the treatment of bulk starter fertilizer plus foliar topdresser proved more superior.
2008 AEA DEMONSTRATIONS	Twelve (12) AEAs each conducted five (5) field demonstrations during the year 2008. Three out of the five were on food security crop (maize) and the other two on income generation (livestock and plantain). One of the AEAs was a veterinary AEA who used her funds provided as revolving fund for the treatment of livestock diseases and so was not to be recovered. The purpose of the demonstrations was to improve food security and enhance income generation of farmers through adoption of improved technologies introduced
2009  SPECIAL MAIZE SUPPORT PROGRAMME	Twenty five (25) male and six (6) female farmers are beneficiaries of a total of GH¢3,100.00 loan facilities granted them to assist them increase production, raise their standard of living. Current recovery rate stands at 67.03%
2010 AEA DEMONSTRATION	Eleven (11) AEAs conducted 25 maize demonstrations of an acre each and involved 25 farmers throughout the District. The purpose of the demonstrations was to demonstrate; Minimum tillage, maximum plant density, timely weeding, application of chemical fertilizer (NPK and Sulphate of Ammonia) to farmers.
2010  BLOCK FARM PROGRAMME	38 f rice farmers at Katabo  II & III as well as Kotei Nkwanta received support in the form of inputs totaling GH¢120.00 each to cultivate rice, of which 5 were women. Total support received amounted to GH¢5,600.00 and currently four thousand four hundred and fifteen Ghana cedis (GH¢4,415.00) has been recovered representing 78.8%
RTIMP	Currently the exercise has reached the tertiary phase where improved cassava planting materials have been supplied to 400 farmers; 265 male and 135 female.
CSSP II	From the inception of the project in 2009 to date, twelve (12) communities have been involved. The project so far supplied cocoa pods, 19,125 cocoa seedlings and economic tree seedlings to be planted by farmers on their cocoa farms as well as poly bags for healthy nursery production all aimed at boosting  cocoa production in the District
NATIONAL COCKEREL PROJECT	DADU took delivery of 280 eight weeks old Cockerels from RADU and these were later distributed to 14 small holder farmers who received 20 cockerels each. The 14 beneficiary farmers received training at DADU on the management of the birds
JICA/MOFA PROJECT	Three (3) model demonstration plots were established with the involvement of three (3) groups located at: Katabo, Frenchman’s site and Anyinasuso. 4 shovels, 20 hoes and sickles were provided to farmer groups.
SRID	Yield studies have been conducted over the years under (MRACLS) and data from it analyzed and submitted to RADU for computation into production estimates and also served as MOFA working documents.
VET ACTIVITIES	A total of 39,358 livestock were vaccinated against diseases such as CBPP, PPR, Newcastle, Rabies etc. It comprised of 1,900 Cattle, 7,134 Sheep, 4,296 Goats, 720 Dogs, 308 Cats and 25,000 Poultry birds. Also 3,035 livestock have been slaughtered.
AEAs HOME AND FARM VISITS	A total of 5,516 visits were made by AEAs with 31,217 farmers reached. The regular AEA home and farm visits helped to disseminate new innovations, improved technologies as well as carry out surveillance on crop pests and diseases on farmers’ fields.
DDA/DOs MONITORING	Both DDA and DOs carried out 715 monitoring and supervisory visits of AEAs activities and interacted with 3,606 farmers.
M & E  ACTIVITIES	A total of 536 reports were prepared, 38 backstopping sessions held, 36 technical review meetings conducted
FIELD DAYS	A total of 218 field days were conducted with 6,647 farmers reached. Topics discussed were diverse and included: fertilizer application, black pod screening, safe use of agro chemicals, post harvest losses, supplementary feeding of small ruminants, record keeping, row planting, control of black sigatoka etc.
COLLABORATIONS DADU WITH CARE INT	The District achieved a lot of success in extension delivery as a result of the collaboration.  Activities undertaken included facilitation of FBO groups, cocoa agronomy and farmer study tour to Tafo  (WACRI) as well as organization of seminar on child labour in cocoa production, capacity building for women on micro finance.
DADU WITH  DISTRICT ASSEMBLY & OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.	A lot of  success was achieved in  collaboration with  other stakeholders as well as the District assembly in the organization of the National farmers’ Day celebration
OTHERS:	Besides the field demonstrations conducted by AEAs, technologies were also demonstrated to farmers and include the following; save use of agro chemicals, knapsack calibration, pruning of infested sigatoka leaves, cocoa nursery practices, mistletoe removal, disease control, animal nutrition, improved housing for livestock, sensitizing butchers on harmful effects of singeing, records keeping and bush fire prevention and control. From 2008 to 2010, a total of 52,345 beneficiary farmers were reached with the above technologies