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District Central

 

 

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) began decentralizing its structure and functions to the regions and districts in1997 with the formation of the Regional Agricultural Development Units (RADU0 and District Agricultural Development Units (DADUs) These decentralized units had the fundamental objective of developing agriculture at their respective levels

The document is the Upper Denkyira West District (UDWD) Strategic Medium Term Agricultural Development plan. It seeks to address the district Assembly’s vision of rural transformation through economic growth poverty reduction and wealth creation worth the recognition that agricultural sector improvement and its sustainability would be key to achieving this vision

The UDWD is one of the four newly created districts in the central Region Its economy depends largely on agriculture with about 80-90 % of the population depending directly or indirectly on Agriculture. The sector is however beset with problems ranging from cumbersome land tenure systems inadequate institutional capacity to move agriculture forward and inadequate infrastructure in the areas of rural water rural transport, road network and postharvest infrastructure.

There are no development partners in the district as of now. This leaves only th DADU to confront the numerous challenges of agriculture in the district. The district id inordinately best with problems relating to superstition chieftaincy disputes abnd illegal mining activities (galamsey) which acre really difficult to deal with. Even though the DADU has some strght in terms of trained staff and other facilities there are still relatively few field level staff that is AEAs and the available staff does not have means of transport. This has adversely affected its ability to effectively reach its clientele with its services.

Despite these constraints, a lot of potentials and opportunities exist in the Upper Denkyira West Dsitrict, Diaso. An example is the high potential for irrigation farming with vast tracts of irrigable land along the banks of rivers Offin, Dia and other major rivers. These rivers are perennial and even overflow its banks during the rainy season.

Upper Denkyira West District was curved out from the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, by a legislative instrument, LI 201 in the year, 2006. The District has a population of about31, 300. About 80% of the farming population works on cocoa as a cash crop on commercial basis, maize, cassava, cocoyam, plantain, vegetables etc to feed the household. 15% of the farming population produces food crops on subsistence basis and oil pal and citrus as supplementary cash crop. Less than 105 are commercial farm animals and poultry producers and Fish farmers and non-traditional farmers of snail, grass cutters and beekeepers form only about 2% of the farming population.  The District is bordered in the North West by Bibiani- Anhwiaso- Bekwai District, North East by Amansie West and Amansie Central Districts, South West by Wassa Amenfi East and Wassa Amenfi West districts and South by Upper Denkyira East Municipal.

Upper Denkyira West District Agricultural Development Unit (DADU) was established in 2009 after the district had been curved out from the Upper Denkyira District. In 2010, a substantial District Director was posted in to the District to oversee the development of the District. At the moment, the district is divided into sixteen (16) operational areas. Of the sixteen, thirteen (13) is operational and have highly experienced field officers taking charge of those operational areas. The District capital, Diaso is approximately seventy kilometers from Dunkwa-On-Offin.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The District has two main cropping seasons, thus a bi – modal rainfall pattern.  The Major rainy season spans from April to July with short dry spell in August follow by a Minor season from September to December. These seasons are warm but humid and facilitate two cropping seasons in a year. The period between January and March experience cold dry conditions which turn later into very hot dry condition.

 

TABLE 1:      COMPARATIVE FIGURES OF RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION FOR MAY 2010 & 2011.

RAINFALL 2010 2011
INTENSITY(MM) 145.5 165.5
No. OF DAYS 13 19

Source: Meteorological Services Department, Dunkwa-on-Offin

 

Comparative Rainfall figures for the month of May 2010 and 2011

DAYS

 2010 2011
RAINFALL IN MM RAINFALL IN MM
  – 5.4
  57.2 –
  – 5.5
  – 23.6
  1.5 –
  – 23.1
  – 2.8
  10.0 3.7
  – 5.9
  – –
  – –
  1.0 17.0
  9.0 4.9
  – 6.5
  – 9.2
  1.5 6.5
  3.3 –
  – –
  – 7.9
  1.5 3.5
  4.0 –
  – 21.6
  – 3.2
  – 4.7
  – 1.0
  40.4 –
  1.0 9.5
  1.0 –
  – –
  14.1 –
TOTAL 145.5 165.5

Source: Meteorological Services Department, Dunkwa-on-Offin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOIL TYPE

The soils of the district are the generally of the soil ochrosol. The series consists of brown to yellowish-brown slightly acidic and moderate well drained clay loams develop on alluvium. This depicts two soil types of Akroso series . They have good physical conditions and favourable for plant growth. However, they are leached and require fertilizer use. They are also rich in alluvial gold.

DRAINAGE

The land is gently slopped therefore well drained. However, several swarms available in valley bottom suitable for fish farming and valley bottom rice production.

VEGETATION

Semi-deciduous rain forest.

 

LAND USE

Most of the indigenous are farmers. The total area under cultivation is 23,490 (HA). The main food crops cultivated are maize, cassava, plantain and cocoyam. Vegetables such as pepper, garden eggs, tomatoes, okra are produced. Tree crops such as Cocoa, Coconut, oil palm, citrus, and banana are produced exclusively in the district.  Cultivation of cabbage and Sweet pepper and water melons are progressing steadily. Production of pineapples and rice has begun springing up. The District has potentials to increase in the production of these crops.

INVESTMENTS

More of SMEs, Agro –businesses and Agro – processing businesses are springing up. Agro – chemical retailers are gradually springing up. Farmers are looking into most cash crops and export crops such as citrus. More farmers are forming groups and are dealing with more financial institutions such as Rural Banks. There are NGOs entering into animal rearing in the District. New NGOs could seek collaboration with the directorate to explore opportunities.

The District Agricultural Directorate is collaborating with other institutions, such as financial institutions and NGOs to establish more agro – business and agro- processing sectors. These are aimed at expanding the economy of the District, increase income, create jobs, ensure food security and enhance the standard of living. The above and more can be achieved due to the availability of high technical officers who provide exclusive extension activities.

There are more investment opportunities in the District in enterprises such as agro – processing and Agro – chemical distributions. Ventures such as poultry and pig production have high comparative advantages. The non-traditional   sector such as apiculture, aquaculture, snail farming and afforestations woodlot establishment possess high comparative advantages in the District. The land tenure system is very flexible for investment business.

The crop production sector possesses tremendous areas for investment which would rack in high returns. Raw materials such as cassava, sugar cane, oil palm, citrus and Copra / Coconut are more available for processing. Farmers could be supported with irrigation facilities to facilitate all year round production of crops and vegetables for the local market and export.

There are avenues for export crops such as banana and citrus in the District.

MAJOR CROPS OF THE DISTRICT.

  1. Tree crops or plantation crops : Cocoa, oil palm and citrus  also avocado pear, and cola.
  2. Food crops : Plantain, banana,cocoyam,yam,cassava ,potatoes and taro
  3. Cereals and legumes : Maize and rice also cowpea and broad beans
  4. Vegetables: Pepper,garden eggs,tomatoes,okra,cabbage and shallots
  5. Fruit crops: Pineapple,sugar cane and pawpaw as a volunteer crops.

 

CROPPED AREA OF MAJOR CROPS

 

ESTIMATED CROP YIELD AND PRODUCTION FOR THE YEAR 2010

CROP AREA (HA) YIELD (MT/HA) PRODUCTION (MT)
MAIZE 5,394 2.7 14,563.8
CASSAVA 7,830 31.27 244,844.1
PLANTAIN 5,220 15.19 79,291.8
COCOYAM 5,046 16.05 80,988.3

Major Crops of Competitive Advantage in the District include:

Cocoa, Oil palm, Rubber, Plantain and Maize. Also Cassava and Cocoyam.

ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Prominent among are sheep , goat and cattle.

There are also swine production and rabbitory.

Poultry indigenous fowls, ducks, turkey and few exotic poultry birds.

Again, snail production, Grass cutter rearing and beekeeping for honey production.

Emerging markets for poultry and poultry products, Pork and Dogs by the influx of the Chinese and ‘galamsey’ and mass employment at the Ayanfuri Mines.

Galamsey and cocoa farms competing for grazing land with the livestock

Inadequate number of staff to provide animal health services.

 

FISH FARMING (PRODUCTION)

Fish ponds are noted in Denkyira Obuasi, Ntom and Nkronua operational areas. Tilapia mudfish and catfish are the major types of fishes cropped/stocked.

FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAMME

 

The Agro-chemicals and fertilizer dealers in the district usually retails in margarine cups( kilos) and not in bags. This resulted in a nil  monthly report.

 

SPECIAL PROJECT

  1. MRACLS

Measurement of holders’ farm is completed in all the 10 enumeration areas.

STRENGTH

The Upper Denkyira West DADU has technical staff for core areas of service delivery. To enhance their competence, they are given regular in-service training and have opportunities for further studies.

 

PHYSICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

LOCATION AND SIZE

The Upper Denkyira East Municipality is one of the seventeen Administrative Districts of the Central Region.  It lies within latitudes 5°, 30°and 6°.North of the equator and longitudes  1° W and 2°W of the Greenwich Meridian. It shares common boundaries with Adansi South. In the North and, Assin District in the East and Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira in the West and Upper Denkyira West District in the North-West. The Upper Denkyira East Municipality covers a total land area of 1020 square kilometers, which is about 10% of the total land area of the Central Region.

CLIMATE

The Municipality falls within the semi equatorial zone with its characteristics. The mean annual temperatures are 29° C on the hottest months and about 24°C in the coolest months. There are two rainfall regimes, but the total annual mean rainfall is between120cm and 200cm.The first rainy season is from May to June with the heaviest in June,   while the second rainy season is from September to Mid-November. The main dry Season is from late-November to February.

VEGETATION

The Upper Denkyira East Municipal falls within the semi-deciduous forest zone. It consists of three layers which do not differ from the rain forest. The trees in this forest zone do not shed all their leaves at the same time nor are they of the same species. Trees of the lower layer and some of the topmost layer stay evergreen throughout the year. This is due to the generally moist condition of the area. Due to the increasing mining activities in the area, especially in the northern part of the Municipality, very little of the original forest remains, and most of what is left are secondary forests. The forest contains various valuable timber species such as Mahogany and Wawa.

CONDITIONS OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Forestry is one of the most important sectors of the district. The district has three major reserves which are all rich in wildlife and lumber. They include the Benso-Ben, Oppong Manse and Minta Forest Reserves. They consist of different specials of tropical hardwood of high economic –value trees like Odum , Mahogany, Edinam and Wawa. Lumbering has therefore been an important economic activity in the district. However, this has been creating environmental problems, as there is no management of the forest reserves. The reserves have been encroached upon by illegal chainsaw operators whose activities, if not checked, will deprive the Municipality of the needed forest resources for development. Frequent outbreak of bushfires has also contributed to the depletion of the forests and other forms of degradation in the Municipality. Most of the known wildlife such as deer and monkeys, which were mostlyfound in the forests, now face extinction. It is , however important that the Forestry Service Commission and the Municipal Assembly initiate a more intensive afforestation programme to preserve some of the important economic tree species to ensure ecological balance in the district. Sustainable harnessing of existing forest resources is also to be encouraged.

CONDITIONS OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Human activities do not only impact on the natural environment as has been portrayed vividly under natural environment discussed above; the impact manifests itself perhaps more  prominently in areas where humanity lives. Most activities of man in settlements he creates as permanent abode more often impacts negatively on the environment. This aspect of the report highlights on the way of life of the people in terms of the shelter, and living conditions and practices that have direct bearing on the environment.

RELIEF AND DRAINAGE

The area falls under a forest-dissected plateau, rising to about 250m above sea level. There are pockets of steep sided hills alternating with flat -bottom valleys. Dunkwa, the Municipal capital, has series of high lands circling it. The major river in the area is the River Offin. A number of streams which are tributaries of either rivers Offin and Pra flow through the district. Prominent among them are the Subin Ninta,Aponapon and Tuitian in the south, Afiefi  and Subin in the north.

SOIL

The principal soil found in the area is forest ochrosols. The colour of these soils range between brown and orange. The soil is not highly leached as oxysol. Due to the reduction in the amount of rainfall, the soils contain greater quantities of soil nutrients and are generally alkaline .From the view point of crop production; they are the best soils in the country. Tree crops such as cocoa and oil palm thrive in the area. Cocoa covers about 50% of the arable land in the Municipality. Other crops like cassava, plantain, and maize also do well.

IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

Many of the areas hit by illegal mining activities have been degraded. There are abandoned mined-out pits, heaps of gravel dotted all over and in some instances streams have been silted. Conflicts resulting from compensation are also common in most of the areas in addition to reclamation blues. The use of mercury in the gold extraction process also negatively affects the environment and the communities if not properly handled. Juvenile delinquency is also raising its ugly head in the mining communities in addition to overstretched social amenities.

LAND MANAGEMENT

Ownership of land in the Municipality like all other customary areas lies with the stool.

However, families, clans and individual ownership can also be found. The Municipality does not have a well structured land management system even with the presence of few institutions such as Town and Country planning and the Office of the administrator of stool lands as a result, land management activities have been taken to the regional level before the process is completed. The customary land management has assumed the major system of managing lands in the Municipality. The head of the stool is regarded as the custodian of the lands while Territorial chiefs are also empowered to manage lands in their territories. These chiefs are responsible for the allocation of lands for development. There is established the customary land secretariat in charge of the management of stool lands.

GEOLOGY AND MINERALS
The rocks in the Municipality are predominantly of Birimian and Tarkwaian formation. The Birimian formation consists of metamorphosed sediments as phyllistes, schist and lava. The account for the Municipality’s rich mineral deposits particularly alluvial gold deposit along the valleys of River Offin and its tributaries and gold deposits inland.

CROPS PRODUCTION

The types of crops produced in the municipality can be categorized into two, namely; food crops and industrial crops.

FOOD CROPS

The major food crops produced in the municipality are maize, cassava, plantain and cocoyam.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Maize and cassava are generally cultivated as mono crops whilst plantain and cocoyam are intercropped with crops such as maize cassava and cocoa. Maize intercropped with cassava is also commonly practiced. By virtue of the fact that maize and cassava are food security crops, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, through the MADU carries out special programmes which aim at assisting farmers with inputs to enhance their production. Currently the special programmes being implemented in this direction are the Block Farm Project, Root and Tuber Improvement and the Marketing Programme.
In view of the forest nature of the vegetation, land preparation in the municipality does not lend itself to mechanization. Land preparation is therefore done by the slash and burn method. However, to ensure that weed control does not become a problem during the growing stage, this is followed with the application of total weedicide e.g. glyphosphate and later with a selective weedicide.

Recommended fertilizer application is as follows:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Fertilizer Type                                              Dosage                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Compound Fertilizer (NPK)                    125 kg/ha

Sulphate of Ammonia                                125kg/ha

Urea                                                                  62.5 kg/ha

Fertilizer use is usually found in the cultivation of maize and vegetables. Fertilizer use is not widespread in the cultivation of cassava, cocoyam and plantain. Some farmers use compound fertilizers for the cultivation of plantain but not for top dressing.
Improved high yielding varieties of maize are cultivated by virtually all farmers in the municipality. In the case of cassava the improved varieties are available are suitable for products and processed foods such as gari, cassava dough and tapioca but not for fufu which is a staple food in the municipality. The adoption rate of the improved varieties of cassava is, therefore, very low. Improved varieties of cocoyam and plantain are not yet available.

PRODUCTION  FIGURES
ESTIMATED CROP YIELD AND PRODUCTION FOR THE YEAR 2010

CROP AREA(HA) YIELD(MT/HA) PRODUCTION(MT)
Maize 6,030.74 2.99 1803.91
Plantain 8,754.30 5.23 45784.99
Cassava 5,836.2 10.44 60929.93
Cocoyam 5,641.66 2.19 12355.24

SOURCE: MULTI ROUND ANNUAL CROPS AND LIVESTOCK SURVEY UPPER DENKYIRA EAST MADU.

SPECIAL PROJECTS (INDUSTRIAL CROPS)

The most prominent industrial crops in the municipality that have been capture for development under special projects, are namely:
The Buabin Oil Palm Out grower Project,
The Para Rubber Out grower Project and the

Cocoa CODAPEC and Hi-Tech Projects.
THE BUABIN OIL PALM OUT GROWER PROJECT

The Buabin Oil Palm Out grower Project was started in 2007 with funding from the French and German governments. It aims at providing an opportunity for farmers to diversify into oil palm production to enhance their income and thereby reinforce food security through financial access to food.

The project is being implemented across two districts namely:  Upper Denkyira East Municipal and Twifo Hermang Lower Denkyira District.

The first phase of the project will end in 2011. So far, one thousand four hundred and seventy seven hectares (1,477) ha of land have been cleared and planted with oil palm in the Upper Denkyira East Municipal part of the project area. In the current year 2011,  one hundred hectares will be planted with oil palm to bring the total to one hundred and seventy seven hectares (1577) ha by the end of the first phase. Average land holding per farmer is 2.5 ha. The project is likely to be given a second phase, which will primarily finance the maintenance of the existing farms.

THE RUBBER OUT GROWER PROJECT

This project is being implemented in a number of districts in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. The implementing agent is the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL). The funding agencies are the French German governments. Total cost of the project is nineteen million Euros.

The project is currently in the last year of the first phase, but it is also expected to be given a second phase during which the outgrowers will be assisted to maintain their farms till harvesting starts.

COCOA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By far cocoa is the most widely grown crop in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality. The cultivation of cocoa covers about fifty percent 50 % of the total arable land in the municipality. Cocoa farms are normally owned by families and individuals.                                                                                                                                                      In view of the importance of cocoa to the national economy, management of all aspects the crop is handled by the Ghana Cocoa Board and its agencies. The government of Ghana has set a target to produce one million metric tones of cocoa per year. To achieve this, two projects namely; Cocoa Diseases and Pest Control (CODAPEC) and Cocoa Hi-Tech Projects have been set up. Under the CODAPEC project cocoa farms through out the country are sprayed free of charge for farms. The targeted disease is the black pod and the pest is capsid.
The Hi-Tech project has identified and released various types of fertilizers for sale to cocoa farmers at heavily subsidized prices. The effects of these projects have led to a tremendous increase in yield of cocoa per hectare. The Ghana Cocoa Board is, therefore, hopeful that it will achieve the one million metric tone target.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
The Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme has been implementing a sister programme in the municipality for the past two years. The name of the programme is UPoCA- Unleashing the Power of Cassava in Africa. Under the programme ,
•    improved varieties of cassava were supplied to farmers for multiplication and production,
•    improved technologies for production of high quality cassava flour (HQCF), starch, gari, cassava dough and tapioca were introduced, and  processors were trained in marketing techniques.
Laudable as the programme objectives were, the aspects of training the processors and supplying them with some processing equipment never saw the light of day. As a result, the farmers’ acceptance of the varieties for production is waning. It is, therefore, an opportunity for NGOs to avail themselves of and thereby help to enhance incomes of food crop farmers.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

  MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  
No. TYPE OF ANIMAL POPULATION FEED HOUSING REMARKS
1 Cattle 207 Rangeland grazing Kraals with shelter for calves  
2 Sheep 10,877 Free range grazing with cassava/ plantain peels supplement Simple structure with shelter and fence wall  
3 Goats 4,071 Free range grazing with cassava/ plantain peels supplement Simple structure with shelter and fence wall  
4 Swine(indigenous) 234 Free range scavenging Makeshift structure (wooden)  
5 Swine(exotic) 412 Home prepared feed with harvested forage as supplement Mostly makeshift wooden structures  
6 Dogs 1560 They are fed by their owners as and when food is available Kennels are generally non existent  
7 Cat 1412 They are fed by their owners as and when food is available Non existent  
8 Rabbit 180 Harvested forage Well constructed hutches  
9 Ducks 1215 Free range with supplement Pens to house them at night  
10 Turkey 195 Free range with supplement Pens to house them at night  
11 Guinea Fowl 161 Free range with supplement in the mornings Free range Free range management system
12 Exotic Fowl 17,500 Home formulated feed/ already prepared mash Makeshift structures Backyard farm/intensive in nature
13 Local Fowl 16,158 Free range scavenging with supplement in the mornings Coops to house birds in the evenings Free range management system

FISH PRODUCTION

Upper Denkyira East Municipality is the leading fish farming (aqua culture) district in the Central Region and has produced a number of Regional Award Winners in Fish Farming.
Fish farming is attractive in the Municipality because it has a lot of wet lands capable of holding water throughout the year. Underground fresh water is not salty and the soil texture enables ponds to hold water without drying up.

In view of the huge potential the Municipality has in Fish farming, the Commission started building a hatchery in Dunkwa-On-Offin, but the project later got embroiled in problems which were social and technical, and has led to the abandonment of the project.

The table below gives detailed information about aqua culture in the Municipality.

NO ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
1 Number of fish farmers in the area 49
2 Average size of a fish pond 20m by 30m
3 Total surface area of ponds 28,748.6m2(2.875hac)
4 Total number of fish ponds 83
5 Average fish production /year 10 tones
6 Annual percentage increase in production 3 %
7 Types of fish cultured Tilapia, Catfish, Heterotis, Snake head
8 Type  of culture practiced Polyculture(Tilapia, Catfish)                                       Monosex culture (all male Tilapia)
9 Harvesting methods / gear used Seine net(Dragnet)
10 Source of fingerlings Tropo Farms at Asutuare

Fisheries commission- Kumasi
11 Resources available Adequate wetland
12 Supplementary organizations Upper Denkyira Fish Farmers Association

Fish Processors Association
13 Processing Methods Salting

Smoking

Frying

FIELD DEMONSTRATIONS

Find below a list of some of the demonstrations which are normally carried out by the Directorate’s AEAs in the municipality.
•    Maize production technologies
•    Use of foliar Fertilizers
•    Vegetable production technology
•    Nursery bed preparation and soil sterilization
•    Maize crib construction
•    Split corm plantain multiplication
•    Use of cover crops to control weed
•    Proper spacing and orientation of plantain suckers when planting
•    Pruning of plantain leaves to control Sigatoga disease in plantain
•    Trapping of plantain com weevil
•    Use of salt lick block as a supplementary feed in livestock rearing
•    Slated floor housing for small ruminants
•    Dipping and deworming of small ruminants
•    Introduction of improved breeds of cockerels to improve rural poultry production
•    Use of smokeless stoves for gari processing
•    Use of  smokeless stoves for fish processing
•    Construction of soak away pits for disposal of liquid waste

FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAMME
The fertilizer subsidy programme of the Government of Ghana is carried out by two agencies namely; Cocoa production and the Ministry of Food Agriculture for food crops and other industrial crops production.
Sale of fertilizers for food and Industrial crops is carried through accredited distributors and retailers. In the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, there is no distributor but we have a retailer who has a number of retail outlets in Dunkwa-On-Offin, the Municipal capital. The retailer gets his supplies from Kumasi.
The Ghana Cocoa Board distributes directly to accredited retailers who sell to cocoa farmers. The retailers are mainly Local Cocoa Buying Companies and the Cocoa Input Company of the Ghana Cocoa Board.

ACHIEVEMENTS
Between 2008 and 2010, the MADU chalked a lot of successes. The most significant among them can be found below.
Database on Three thousand eight hundred and fifty six (3856) farmers established. The programme is still on going.
Nine hundred (900) demonstrations were conducted for Eight thousand (8,000) farmers, comprising Four thousand eight hundred (4,800) males and Three thousand two hundred (3,200) females.
Three hundred and five (305) field days were organized for 3400 farmers (males-1980, females-1420).
Loan recovery rate for 2010 vegetable Block Farms Programme was 98%.
Twelve thousand eight hundred (12,800) households were trained on food based nutrition, food handling and safety, and food processing. As a result many families are incorporating leafy vegetables in their foods.
The 2008 Regional Best Farmer was a beneficiary of the MADUs programmes.
One hundred and fifty (150) farmers were trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) in oil palm and citrus production.
There were no cases of livestock disease outbreak between 2008 -2009.
Five thousand (5000) pets were vaccinated against rabies free of charge.

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LOCATION & SIZE:

The Twifo-Hemang Lower Denkyira District (THLDD) is one of the 17 Administrative Districts in the Central Region of Ghana. It is bounded on the north by the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, to the south by the Abura Asebu Kwamankese district, Cape Coast Metropolis and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem Municipality, to the west by the Wassa Mpohor East District and to the East by Assin North Municipal and Assin South District. The District has total area of 1,199km2 and 1,510 settlements. The district has eight (8) Area Councils and four (4) paramountcies namely: Twifo, Atti Mokwa, Hemang, and Lower Denkyira.

Figure 1

The District in the context of the regionhttp://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/The-District-in-the-context-of-the-region.jpg 538w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 310px;">

The District in the context of the region

TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE

The District is located between latitudes 5’50˚N and 5’51˚N and longitudes 1’50W and 1’10˚W. The general altitude is between 60 – 200 metres above sea level. The highest point in the district is Bepotsin (212 metres), west of Mfuom. The Pra River and its tributaries including Obuo, bimpong and Ongwa drain the district. The Kakum River also takes its source from the Kakum forest reserve. The District has a rolling landscape.

CLIMATE

The district lies within the semi-equatorial zone marked by double maximal rainfall which peaks in June and October, and with a mean annual rainfall of 1750mm. It has fairly high uniform temperature ranging between 26˚C (in August) and 30˚C (in March). Relative Humidity is generally high throughout the year, ranging between 70 – 80 percent in the dry season and 75 – 80 percent in the wet season.

VEGETATION

The District’s vegetation consists basically of semi-deciduous forest. Portions of which have been largely disturbed by the activities of man through farming, logging and mining among others. There are however, large areas of forest reserves including the Kakum National Park, Bimpong Forest Reserve, Pra Suhyen Forest Reserve, Minta Forest Reserve, and Bonsaben Forest Reserve. These forest reserves and the Kakum National Park altogether cover an area of 288km2 that is 24.0 percent of the entire surface area of the district.

 

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL DEPOSITS

The land is underlined by Birimian and Tarkwaian rocks which are very rich in mineral deposits. The minerals found in the distric include: Gold at Mfuom, River Botro, and Afiafiso. Diamond deposits can also be found at Afiafiso and Manganese at Asamang and Twifo Mampong. Within the Pra River can be found Birimian and Tarkwaian rocks. These rocks hold the potential for the exploitation of gold, and manganese. The bed of the River Pra has alluvial gold deposits which are currently being mined illegally by local Galamsey operators to the detriment of rural communities who drink the river water. The rocks in the Pra River could be used for quarrying purposes. These potentials need to be studied to establish the economic viability and feasibility of exploitation. The Pra River could also be used for fishing and river transport when properly dredged. However, these activities are limited by the presence of large rock outcrops, which prevent the use of canoes on the large scale.

SOILS, ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND AGRICULTURAL LAND USE

The District has five (5) main soil types namely:

  • The Nsaba-Swedru Compound: These are soils developed over granite that are well drained and respond well to phosphorus fertilizer application. They are excellent for the cultivation of tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm, citrus, and coffee, and food crops such as plantain, cocoyam, banana, and cassava. They can be found in the northern part of the district around Mampoma, Morkwa, Agona and Nkwankyemaso.
  • Nta-Offin Associates: These soils are developed over rocks which are poorly drained. They are generally suitable for the cultivation of tree crops such as citrus, cola and oil palm. In addition to the tree crops, these soils tend to support semi-perennial food crops, dry season vegetables, sugar cane, and rice. They are found around Brofoyedur and Bukruso.
  • Asuanzi-Kumasi Associates: These are soils developed over Tarkwaian rocks, which are moderately drained and are good for the cultivation of tree crops such as cocoa and forestry products. They also support food crops such as plantain, cocoyam, maize, cassava and banana. They have low soil nutrients and require nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer usage. Leaching needs to be avoided. These soils are found in the southern section of the District around Jukwa, Mampong, Ntafrewaso, Watreso and Krobo.
  • Bekwai-Nzema-Oda compound: These soils are suitable for the cultivation of perennial tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm, coconut, coffee and food crops such as maize, cassava, and cocoyam. They are found around Bepobeng, Moseaso, Nyinase and Tweapease.
  • Juaso-Manso-Kyekyewere-Kakum Compound: These soils support perennial tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm, coconut, coffee and food crops including maize, cassava, and plantain. They can be found around Mafi, Bonsaho, Ashire, Mbraem Afiaso Mampoma and Wawase areas.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Basic Population statistics

Table 1

  Year Estimated Population
  1970 53,066
  1984 95,988
  2000 107,787
  2010 166,224

The current Population growth rate is 4.1 %. This is higher than the corresponding regional growth rate of 1.8 %. The alarming situation is that the district growth rate is far higher than the national growth rate of 2.7%.

This calls for serious concerns in running population control programmes. The relatively high population growth rate is attributed to the fertile soils which support the cultivation of crops like oil palm, cocoa, plantain, cassava and others; and the fact that many migrant farmers and other vocations like Galamsey are living in the district.

 

FOOD CROPS PRODUCTION

Food crop production over the years has declined especially maize and cassava which are the main food stuff for the people in the district. This could be due to excessive commitment of lands into cocoa, oil palm and rubber. Details could be found in the tables below.

Table 2: ESTIMATED CROPPED AREA (HA) PER FARMER
YEAR MAIZE GARDEN EGG PLANTAIN OIL PALM CASSAVA PEPPER COCOYAM
2008 0.7 0 2.1 0 1.1 0 0.2
2009 0.7 0 1.2 0 3.2 0 0.2
2010 0.6 0.4 1.8 4.2 0.8 0.2 0.2
Table 3 ESTIMATED CROPPED AREA IN HECTARES (HA)
YEAR MAIZE GARDEN EGG PLANTAIN OIL PALM CASSAVA PEPPER COCOYAM
2008 9,157 0 24,672 0 15,357 0 432
2009 10,415.30 0 22,127.70 0 43,388.70 0 554.6
2010 6,967.80 232.4 14,182.20 19,147.80 9,865.60 284.4 196.2
                 
Table 4 ESTIMATED CROP PRODUCTION IN METRIC TONNES (MT)
  MAIZE GARDEN EGG PLANTAIN OIL PALM CASSAVA PEPPER COCOYAM
2008 28,778 0 175,171 0 433,181 0 15,796
2009 26,782 0 95,483 0 318,229.73 0 25,511.60
2010 11,148.50 00,325.4 216,987.70 886,543.10 224,146.40 00,085.3 1,334.20

 

 

 

 

Crop farming in the District is mainly traditional whiles majority of the people are engaged in subsistence farming. This is basically due to the problem of limited access to finance, machinery and modern tools for farming. The major crops cultivated are cassava, Maize, Yam, Plantain, Vegetables, Oil Palm, Cocoa and Oranges. Most farmers cultivate three or more of these crops at a time and take advantage of their different seasons.

The district has four (4) main markets that are geographically well located in the district. Greater volume of trade takes place at Twifo Praso, Jukwa, Hemang and Wawase markets. The Twifo Praso market handles the largest proportion of farm produce. There are other satellite market centres at Nuamakrom, Kwamoano, Mbem, Twifo Mampong, Ampenkro, Aboabo, Agona, Mintaso, Mbraem, and Kyirenkum.

In view of the above, urban based middlemen within and outside the district undertakes marketing of farm produce. Most of the farmers sell their produce at the nearest local market to middlemen who in turn sell them to other marketing centres, especially Twifo Hemang, Jukwa, and Cape coast for sale.

Prices offered by the middlemen are very low and may serve as disincentive to the farmers. The poor conditions of the road network to the farming areas limit access to the bigger markets which can offer better prices.

small ruminant being inpected at asempaneye a suburb of twifoprasohttp://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/small-ruminant-being-inpected-at-asempaneye-a-suburb-of-twifopraso.jpg 439w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 310px;">

small ruminant being inpected at asempaneye a suburb of twifopraso

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5 – DETAILED INFORMATION ON LIVESTOCK

  TYPE OF  LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION FIGURES SYSTEM
  Cattle 216 Semi intensive
  Sheep 21,030 “
  Goats 27,640 “
  Pigs 6,700 Intensive
  Grasscutter 310 “
  Rabbits 1,200 “
  Donkeys 3 Semi intensive
  Dogs 3,700 Free range
  Cats 3,150 “
  Local Fowls 61,987 “
  Ducks 3,200 Semi intensive
  Turkeys 510 “
  Guinea Fowls 351 “
  Exotic layers 12,950 (deep litter)
  Exotic Cockerels 12,376 Semi intensive
  Broilers 1,700 Intensive
Total 157,023  

Source: DADU, THLD

According to a baseline survey conducted, farmers engage in crop farming keep livestock as well. These farmers are in the 75% majority. The types of animals kept include poultry (both exotic and local), pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, grass-cutters and snail.

They are reared as supplementary activity to meet the protein requirements and to earn additional income. The largest livestock activity is poultry. The animals reared are kept in pens and hen-coop while the goats, pigs, and sheep are kept by the free range, or Semi intensive system. The others especially poultry are fed in enclosed areas.

Table 6: Formal local slaughter in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District
YEARS Cattle Sheep Goats Pigs Others
Annual – 2008 26 264 416 – –
Annual – 2009 21 306 418 – –
Annual – 2010 23 350 512 – –
Source: DADU / Veterinary Services, THLD

 

 

 

Analysis

The number of cattle slaughtered dropped sharply in 2008. However, it is picking up again in 2010. Small ruminants (sheep and goats) slaughtered has increased steadily since 2008 and is still progressing. This could probably be attributed to the consumption pattern of the communities around and also the availability of the animals for slaughter. It must also be mentioned that there is a large community of miners prospecting for gold through dredging of the Pra River hence the increase in slaughter.

Table 7: Vaccination of Animals

Animal Species

Disease

 No. of Animals Vaccinated No. of Animals Vaccinated No. of Animals vaccinated
Annual – 2008 Annual – 2009 Annual – 2010
Poultry Newcastle Orthodox 34,000 33,000 48,000
Gumboro 22,000 19,000 28,000
Fowl pox 18,000 12,000 14,000
Sheep PPR 4,030 2,979 2,402
Goats PPR 6,470 4,912 4,198
Dogs Rabies 1,029 190 339
Cats Rabies 46 10 21
Cattle Trypanosomiasis – 31 11

Source: DADU / Veterinary Services, THLD

 

Analysis

Animal diseases in the district are of great concern. These include endo-parasites, ecto-parasites, new castle, fowl pox, Gumboro and coccidiosis.

The other constraints are the non-availability of improved breeding stock, inadequate veterinary staff, the high cost of animal feed (poultry) and veterinary drugs.

The high levels of poultry vaccinations can be attributed to continuous education of those keeping poultry and the farmers themselves sensing danger of high loses if routine vaccinations are not followed.

INFORMATION ON FISHERIES

Aquaculture is the main method of fish captured production in the district. The number of farmers involved in aquaculture in the district is ninety-five (95). Out of this number, sixty-five (65) are active members of the District Fish Farmers Association. Apart from fish produced by the fish farmers, fresh and frozen and smoked fish from other parts of the country are also consumed in the district.

Below is detailed information on fish farming in the district.

Table 7: Information on Fish Farming

YEAR/PERIOD No. FARMERS TYPE OF FISH PRODUCE NUMBER. OF PONDS AVERAGE SURFACE AREA/POND TOTAL SURFACE AREA
2008 – 2010 95 Tilapia and Catfish 95 162 m2 15,390m2

SUMMARY OF FIELD DEMONSTRATIONS

The district directorate of agric conducted field demonstrations on maize and vegetables in seventeen different communities in the district in the period 2008 and 2009. Sixty-eight (68) acres of maize and seventeen vegetables plots were set up as a demonstration for farmers by 17 AEAs in the district during that period.

OFFICERS AND A FARMER POSE FOR THIS PICTURE AFTER INSPECTING MAIZE DEMONSTRATION FIELD AT ATRISU IN THE TWIFO TEMA OPERATIONAL AREA.

OFFICERS AND A FARMER POSE FOR THIS PICTURE AFTER INSPECTING MAIZE DEMONSTRATION FIELD AT ATRISU IN THE TWIFO TEMA OPERATIONAL AREA.
PEPPER FARM INSPECTED DURING THE FARMING SEASON AT CHIABOSO

PEPPER FARM INSPECTED DURING THE FARMING SEASON AT CHIABOSO
OFFICERS FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTORATE INSPECTING A GARDEN EGG FARM AT BUKRUSU A SUBURB OF TWIFO HEMANG

OFFICERS FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTORATE INSPECTING A GARDEN EGG FARM AT BUKRUSU A SUBURB OF TWIFO HEMANG

THE GOVERNMENT FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAMME

The government fertilizer programme started in the year 2008. The district registered all the fertilizer agents and agro-chemical sellers in the district. However, there was only one fertilizer agent in the Twifo Hemang District which had enough capital to start business. That is the Cocoa Inputs Shop at Twifo Praso. The table below indicates the number and types of fertilizers that was traded.

Table 8: Government Fertilizer Subsidy Programme

TYPE OF FERTILIZER 2009 2010
N. P. K 15 – 15 – 15 1,649 352
N. P. K 16 – 16 – 16 0 0
N. P. K 23 – 10 – 0 56 0
N. P. K 23 – 15 – 5 0 0
UREA 144 100
SULPHATE OF AMMONIA 700 250
ACTIVA   50
TOTAL    

Source: DADU, THLD

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS

POTATO TRIALS

The district collaborated with Soil Research Institute (SRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to set up two (2) trial fields at Jukwa. The fields were demarcated into plots. Two well known potato varieties in the district namely Sauti with a purple tuber coat and a local variety called Santom with a yellowish-brown tuber coat were matched against five (5) different rates of fertilizers including;

  • Control plot (no poultry manure no fertilizer)
  • Poultry manure,
  • Poultry manure plus N. P. K.,
  • N. P. K. plus Sulphate of Ammonia
  • N. P. K. plus Sulphate of Ammonia plus Poultry manure

In the final analysis, the Poultry Manure treatment gave higher yields compared to the other treatments for both potato varieties. Farmers as well as patrons of the potato tuber prefer the santom due to its firmness when subjected to boiling or deep oil frying.

COCOA FERTILIZER TRIALS

The district in collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) is conducting a four year fertilizer trail on cocoa. The trail which started in May 2009 is expected to end in the year 2012.

Below is the detail information on the cocoa fertilizer trail.

Table 9: Cocoa Fertilizer Trials

NAME OF FARMER LOCATION TYPE OF FERTILIZERS ACREAGES
Samuel Adu-Gyamfi Twifo Mampong 1.Nitrabor

2.Asaasewura

3.Cocofeed

 3.5  Acres
THESE OFFICERS AND TWO FARMERS HAVE JUST FINISHED THE INSPECTION OF A COCOA FARM UNDER FERTILIZER TRIALShttp://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/THESE-OFFICERS-AND-TWO-FARMERS-HAVE-JUST-FINISHED-THE-INSPECTION-OF-A-COCOA-FARM-UNDER-FERTILIZER-TRIALS.jpg 436w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 310px;">

THESE OFFICERS AND TWO FARMERS HAVE JUST FINISHED THE INSPECTION OF A COCOA FARM UNDER FERTILIZER TRIALS

COCOA INSECTICIDE TRIALS

The district in collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) conducts insecticides trails on cocoa as a tree crop in the district. Below is detailed information on the trail since 2008

COCOA FARM UNDER INSECTICIDE TRIALShttp://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/COCOA-FARM-UNDER-INSECTICIDE-TRIALS.jpg 516w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 310px;">

COCOA FARM UNDER INSECTICIDE TRIALS

Table 10: Cocoa Insecticide Trials

YEARS (PERIODS) NUMBER OF FARMERS TYPE OF INSECTICIDES ACREAGES
2008-2009 12 1.E.C 900

2.SEIZER

3.ACETASTAR

4.RIMONSTAR

5.CONFIDOR

 65
2010-2011 9 1.ATTACK

2.IMIDA BIFENTHRIN

3.CONFIDOR

4.AKATE MASTER

 55

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

 

HIV/AIDS EDUCATION FOR FARMERS

Awareness of the disease is very high but preventive measures need to be tackled as the youth in the communities do not mind about the consequences of the disease. Most of the young girls are involved in premarital sex resulting in teenage pregnancy. The farmers were also advised to do away with the stigma attached to those living with the disease and see them as part of the society. The Table below gives details of number of farmers sensitized on HIV/AIDS annually since 2008.

Table11:          Number of Farmers Sensitized on HIV/AIDS

Annual – 2008 Annual – 2009 Annual – 2010
Number of Participants Number of Participants Number of Participants
Male Female TOTAL % Female Male Female TOTAL % Female Male Female TOTAL % Female
3,069 2,343 5,412 43 4,200 3,496 7,696 45 3,985 2,970 6,955 43

Source: DADU, THLD

 

 

 

Figure 6

RADIO PROGRAMME

Twifo Praso – DADU has a Community Radio programme running between the hours of 7.00pm to 8.00 pm. on Thursdays at the Arise FM.

The programme runs for forty (40) minutes and twenty (20) minutes phone-in for questions from the public.

3 REGIONAL CUM DISTRICT FARMERSʹ AND FISHERS DAY CELEBRATION

The year 2010 Regional cum District Farmers and Fishers Day Celebration was held at Twifo Hemang Methodist School Park. The theme for the celebration was “Grow More Food”. The function was chaired by the Paramount Chief of Hemang Traditional Area, Nana Amoah Sesraku II and the welcome address, was given by the Hon. District Chief Executive, Mr. Joseph Foster Andoh.

The Hon. Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe gave the Keynote address. She commended the able hard working farmers who distinguished themselves. She encouraged farmers to grow more food through the adoption of modern technologies in order to ensure food security. She said government has packages such as fertilizer subsidy, farm machineries and implements and farm inputs at subsidised prices for farmers to help them produce more food and raw materials to feed the people of Ghana and her industries.

Seven Districts participated in the celebration. These were Upper Denkyira East Municipal, Assin North Municipal, Assin South District, Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Cape Coast Metropolitan, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipal and the host Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira (THLD) District.

THLD District honoured twelve hard working farmers and an Agricultural Extension Officer. They went home with certificates and a number of assorted items The Overall District Best Farmer award went to Mr. Emmanuel Mensah Moro from Twifo Asempaneye.

THE DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE CONGRATULATING THE OVERAL DISTRICT BEST FARMERhttp://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/THE-DISTRICT-CHIEF-EXECUTIVE-CONGRATULATING-THE-OVERAL-DISTRICT-BEST-FARMER.jpg 653w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 310px;">

THE DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE CONGRATULATING THE OVERAL DISTRICT BEST FARMER
THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF AGRIC THLD GIVING THE VOTE OF THANKS (3RD DECEMBER, 2010)http://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/THE-DISTRICT-DIRECTOR-OF-AGRIC-THLD-GIVING-THE-VOTE-OF-THANKS-3RD-DECEMBER-2010.jpg 413w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 310px;">

THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF AGRIC THLD GIVING THE VOTE OF THANKS (3RD DECEMBER, 2010)

12.4 MOFA / WORLD VISION COLLABORATION

The World Vision International Twifo Praso provided fund for a training programme on Food Based Nutrition. The main purpose of the training was to re-introduce soybean, a crop which has almost the same nutrient as fish and meat. The training also educated the participants on the use of food stuff and available leafy vegetables to prepare a balanced diet. The sensitization was successful in sixteen (16) communities. Five hundred and two (502) people participated. This is made up of three hundred and ninety (390) females and one hundred and twelve (112) males.

SOME OF THE FOOD ITEMS DISPLAYED ON THE TABLE FOR THE PARTICIPANTS TO IDENTIFY AND CLASSIFY INTO THE VARIOUS FOOD CLASSES.

SOME OF THE FOOD ITEMS DISPLAYED ON THE TABLE FOR THE PARTICIPANTS TO IDENTIFY AND CLASSIFY INTO THE VARIOUS FOOD CLASSES.
THE RESOURCE PERSON EXPLAINING A POINT TO START THE TRAINING SESSION

THE RESOURCE PERSON EXPLAINING A POINT TO START THE TRAINING SESSION
FEMALE PARTICIPANTS GROUPING THE FOOD ITEMS INTO THE THREE (3) CLASSES GROUPS (ENERGY FOODS, PROTEIN FOODS AND VITAMIN & MINERAL FOODS

FEMALE PARTICIPANTS GROUPING THE FOOD ITEMS INTO THE THREE (3) CLASSES GROUPS (ENERGY FOODS, PROTEIN FOODS AND VITAMIN & MINERAL FOODS
MALE PARTICIPANTS GROUPING THE FOOD ITEMS INTO THE THREE (3) CLASSES GROUPS (ENERGY FOODS, PROTEIN FOODS AND VITAMIN & MINERAL FOODS).

MALE PARTICIPANTS GROUPING THE FOOD ITEMS INTO THE THREE (3) CLASSES GROUPS (ENERGY FOODS, PROTEIN FOODS AND VITAMIN & MINERAL FOODS).
DISPLAYED FOOD ITEMS FOR CLASSIFICATTION.

DISPLAYED FOOD ITEMS FOR CLASSIFICATTION.
ENERGY FOOD ITEMS

ENERGY FOOD ITEMS
SOME OF THE FOOD ITEMS DISPLAYED ON THE TABLE FOR THE PARTICIPANTS TO IDENTIFY AND CLASSIFY INTO THE VARIOUS FOOD CLASSES. THE RESOURCE PERSON EXPLAINING A POINT TO START THE TRAINING SESSION.
FEMALE PARTICIPANTS GROUPING THE FOOD ITEMS INTO THE THREE (3) CLASSES / GROUPS (ENERGY FOODS, PROTEIN FOODS AND VITAMIN & MINERAL FOODS). MALE PARTICIPANTS GROUPING THE FOOD ITEMS INTO THE THREE (3) CLASSES / GROUPS (ENERGY FOODS, PROTEIN FOODS AND VITAMIN & MINERAL FOODS).
DISPLAYED FOOD ITEMS FOR CLASSIFICATTION. ENERGY FOOD ITEMS.

12.5 FARMER REGISTRATION

The farmer registration is an on-going programme initiated by MoFA to collate data on farmers in general. Data collected include farm type; crop or animal production, the kind of commodity and the size of the farm. This is to enable the Ministry to plan and assist the improvement of agricultural activities in the district.

13. NEW INITIATIVES

The District wrote proposals on food based nutrition, tiger nuts production, sweet potato and chilli pepper production to solicit for funds from the district Assembly, NGOs and other philanthropies.

The programes aimed at training farmers on how these crops are produced. With these efforts, the Word Vision International (NGO) helped the directorate to train farmers on food base nutrition over the last two years.

Despite all limitations, the District uses the opportunity to organise fora in communities or Operational Areas without resident AEAs. This is often done to bridge the gap between areas without AEAs.

The District also distributes improved root and tuber planting materials to farmers in order to boost up production in the district.

14. 0 INFORMATION ON ACHIEVEMENTS 2008-2010

The District made achievement in different areas. These include;

Training of farmers on improved technologies such as row planting, safe use of agro-chemical, Breed improvement techniques, Soya Utilisation etc in Agriculture

85% Recovery of maize under the 2008 Maize demonstration.

61% recovery of loans under the Block Farm concept during 2009 farming season

100% recovery under the vegetable Block Farm during 2010 farming season.

A successful organized 2010 Regional cum District Farmers’ and Fishers’ Day Celebration hosted by Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District.

 
 

 

LOCATION

The District lies within latitudes 5°.07’ to 5°.20’ north of the Equator and between longitudes 0°.44’ to 1°.11’ west of Greenwich meridian.

LAND AREA

Mfantseman district covers a total land area of approximately 612sq. km. (61,200ha).

ARABLE LAND

The available arable land for agriculture is about 280,000 Ha. This implies higher levels of production could be achieved for crops to meet both domestic and export market.

BOUNDARIES

The district is bounded to the East by Gomoa East and West, to the west by Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese district, South by Gulf of Guinea and North by Assin and Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Districts.

The district capital is Saltpond. Other major communities include Mankessim, Essarkyir, Dominase, Anomabu, Kormantse, Abandze, Otuam, Narkwa and Yamoransa etc.

POPULATION

As at 2010, the total population is 211,916.

SOIL TYPE

The area is characterized by savannah ochrosols. Soils along river banks and irrigated sites are loose clay. Some areas possess silt deposits. Loose fertile silty loam is found further from the river.

VEGETATION TYPE

Two major vegetation types are found. On the upland is the coastal shrub while the flood plains are characterized with grasses growing to a height of about two meters. Temperature range between 24 to 28°C with relative humidity about 70%. The area experience bimodal type of rainfall. Annual total rainfall ranges between 100 – 120cm. dry periods (harmattan) are experienced from November to February.

TOPOGRPHY AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Land is undulating and about 60m above sea level. Major streams and rivers are Narkwa, Bruku, Ochi and Amisa. Flood plain areas lie below 60m above sea level.

AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT POTENTIALS IN MFANTSEMAN

  1. Large tracks of land suitable for pineapple production on large scale
  2. Area also suitable for pepper, okro, egg-plant, cabbages, watermelon production etc.
  3. There is a dam at Baaifikrom in the district. This is suitable for irrigation development. Land area available is about 260 ha. Aquaculture is feasible in the dam. Ekotsi area is suitable for dam construction.
  4. Rice can also be cultivated in the dam catchment area.
  5. Area is also suitable for coconut production.
  6. Marine fishing is another major activity along the coast. Mainly canoe and motorized vessels do this. No major fish landing site is developed in the area. A fish market site is necessary in the district.
  7. Cottage industry to process pineapple, vegetables and or fish will be viable in the district. Raw materials to feed these industries could be easily produced with little effort and assistance to farmers and fishermen.
  8. There are busy markets nearby at mankessim and cape coast for produce to be sold.
  9. Establishment of agro-processing facilities for vegetables and pineapple is feasible.

10.  Tourism related areas

v  Wetlands for birds at Hinni

v  Monkeys sanctuary at Otabanadze

v  Hanging stone at Obosan – Abeadze Dominase

v  The big hole at Kormantse

v  Nkrumahs’ palm tree at Saltpond

v  Lagoon bodies at Kormantse and Abandze

v  Wild crocodiles at Baifikrom irrigation dam

v  Baifikrom irrigation dam site suitable for recreational activities

v  Good beaches available for development

MAJOR CROPS PRODUCED

  1. The major economic activity in the district is agriculture. Mixed crop farming, livestock and local poultry keeping in the backyard of houses is a common practice. Pineapple and some vegetable farmers do monocropping. Major food crops grown include;
  2. Root and tuber- cassava, plantain, banana, yam, cocoyam and taro
  3. Cereals mainly maize. Rice is done by a few numbers of people with total average of about 5 ha.
  4. Vegetables: District is noted for vegetable production in the Baifikrom dam catchments area. Okro, tomatoes, egg plants, pepper and cabbage are the main vegetables cultivated.
  5. Fruits- the major fruit grown include pineapple. The sugar loaf is the predominant variety of citrus and coconuts, oil palm are also grown. Cashew production is also being some few farmers.

MAJOR TREE CROPS

CROP AREA (HA) UNDER PRODUCTION AVERAGE YIELD MT/HA ANNUAL PRODUCTION (MT)
Oil palm

Citrus

Copra

 450

102

106

 25

15

 11,625
Pineapple

Cashew

Watermelon

Pawpaw

 278.46

320

80

60

 7.32

22

20

28

 2,038.33

MAJOR STAPLE CROPS

CROP AREA(HA) AVERAGE YIELD MT/HA ANNUAL PRODUCTION (MT)
Maize

cassava

plantain

 6,945.40

6,835.36

297.36

 1.95

4.89

3.70

 13,543.53

33,424.91

1,100.23

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Livestock: Major livestock include sheep, goats, pigs and a few cattle. Animals are kept in the backyard as supplement to family income.  Commercial farms are virtually non existing except a dairy cattle rearing and milk processing centre at Wankam

Poultry: commercial poultry farmers are few. Most of the commercial poultry farmers have folded up because of high cost of feed and low returns on investment.

Non-traditional: Grasscutter and rabbit.

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT

Source: Formal – Ghana Commercial Bank, Mfantseman Community Bank, Agric Development Bank, EkumfiMan Rural Bank, 1st National Bank, Opportunity International Bank, Kakum Rural Bank, 1st Allied Savings and Loan Bank

Informal: Susu/Money Lenders

 

MAJOR MARKET – Mankessim

Market Days –All Days – Wednesdays and Saturdays are main market days

Smaller markets exist in most communities’ e.g.  Essuehyia, Anomabu, Biriwa and Saltpond.

Facilities in the market include

–          Stalls

–          Car park

–          Toilet

–          Clinic nearby

–          Banks

Water

Slaughter house

Cold stores nearby

COLLABORATING NGOS

  • World Vision Ghana
  • Plan Ghana
  • SNV
  • MOAP/GIZ
  • Hunger Project

 

LOCATION
The KOMENDA–EDINA-EGUAFO-ABREM MUNICIPAL is bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea),
The east by the Cape Coast Municipality, the north by the Twifo-Hemang –Lower
Denkyira District and the west by the Mpohor-Wassa East District.
POPULATION
The population of Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District Assembly was 52,216 in 1960 and 64,383 in 1970 producing an enter-censual increase of 23.3%.
The growth rate during that period was 2.09%. By 1984 the population of the district was 76,462, which was 6.67% of the regional population. The entire censual increase between 1970 and 1984 was 18.8%. During the 2000 population and housing census, the district population was estimated to be 112,435 (53,755 males and 58,682 females). The ratio of male to female is 91.6 to 100. There was an inter censual increase of 46.5% between 1984 and 2000 and a growth rate of 2.3%.
District Farming
Intensity
 Percentage of
Households Head
 Total Farm
Households
 Total No. of holders Total No. of
Holders by Sex
 Total No. of Holders in various Age Groups
KEEA   Male Female     Male Female ≤19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+
  0.79 64.3 35.7 7,184 12,694 7,453 5,241 337 1,424 3,345 3,361 2,234 1,993
PERCENTAGE 79                        

LAND AREA
The district covers an area of 372.45 square miles (964.64 square kilometers).
ARABLE LAND
Of the total area of 372.45 square miles (919.95 square kilometers) 86% is available as arable land; this is used for the cultivation of different types of crops depending on the locality.
CLIMATE AND VEGETATION
The coastal areas of the district experience a lower rainfall compared with the interior locations. Temperatures are generally high and so the variability in climate and vegetation is influenced more by rainfall than temperature.
With double maximum, annual rainfall totals in coastal locations ranges between
750 and 1,000mm while in the more interior areas, it ranges between 1200 and
1500mm
Weather situation (2006-2010)
Rainfall Data 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Rainfall (mm) 1,003.5 1,114.3 869 1,188 1,092
No rain days 93 82 83 68 115.0
Source: Meteorological Services Department, Komenda.
  • Vegetation
The vegetation varies according to the rainfall pattern. In coastal areas the
Vegetation consists of shrubs of about 1.5m high grasses and scattered trees.
In the interior, secondary forests occur but human activities are fast depleting this forest base.
Land Use
• Generally for agricultural purpose
• Small scale mining (Galamsey operation and Salt and sand winning)
• Settlement
AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT POTENTIALS IN THE DISTRICT
• Large tracks of land stretching from Elmina to Komenda Sefwi, which is suitable for livestock production.
• Large tracks of land suitable for Pineapple, Coconut, Citrus, Cassava etc. production on large scale.
• The district has potentials in the production of vegetables.
• The district is a major fishing center in the country and with the necessary inputs can process fish for export.
• Establishment of agro-processing facilities for vegetables, pineapple, citrus, sugar cane and oil palm is feasible.
FARM SIZES AND CROP PRODUCTION
Agricultural activity is dominated by subsistence farming. Farmers in the municipality are mostly peasant farmers who rely mainly on traditional technologies in production. Average holdings ranges from 0.3 to 1 hectare. Mostly few commercial farmers and organizations do large-scale farming on a limited scale.
Cash crop production is done on limited basis which include citrus, cocoa and oil palm in the forest areas of the municipality.
Replanting of the destroyed coconut farms have been started with a tolerant variety.
Food crops cultivated in the district are maize, cassava, plantain, sweetpotato okro garden eggs and pineapple.
Sugar cane is also cultivated in low-lying areas in the district.
CROP POTENTIALS
Crop farming in the municipality is done under rain fed conditions. With improved cultural practices being adopted by farmers, plus the requisite amount of rainfall, the yields can be increased to between 5-150%.
CROP YIELDS IN THE DISTRICT
Yields of crops are determined by many factors. The suitability of the sol and rainfall for the particular crop are the major determining factors in the district. Yields of crops vary according to the timing, quantity and distribution of rainfall, amount of dedication and adoption rate of modern farming techniques by farmers and adequate supply of improved planting materials and seeds.
The general trend of the crops situation in the district is as shown in the table below
Estimated cropped Area (Ha)
FOOD CROPS 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Maize 3,574.2 3,321 2,596 3,985 3,059
Cassava 3,542 2,910 2,500 3,492 3,139
Plantain 708 954 948 1,145 1,300.8
Sweetpotato 23 25 22 21 24
Pineapple 109 121 134 156.4 168.9
Vegetables 13 14.1 14.8 15.4 16.8
CASH CROPS          
Citrus 1,045.5 1,066.8 1,120 1,173.4 1,226.7
Oil Palm 828 872.4 916 960 1,004
Source: MRACL Survey carried out in the municipality
Crop Production
Major Crops and their Production Levels (MT)
FOOD CROPS 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Maize 16,005 7,638 3,894 5,579 11,624.2
Cassava 150,711 65,633 60,490 80,350 71,883.1
Plantain 2659 1,621 10,712.4 13,626 15,479.5
Sweetpotato 18.5 19.7 20.9 21.1 23.2
Pineapple 3,967.6 5,695.5 6,848.7 8,329.4 5,421.7
Vegetables 1,546 1,855 1,736 1,954 2,100
CASH CROPS          
Citrus 28,661 31,846 35,031 38,216 40,127
Oil Palm 11,149 13,116 15,083 17,050 17,280
Source: MRACL Survey carried out in the municipality
LIVESTOCK
Livestock production has been incorporated into the farming system of the district. The animals reared are cattle, sheep, goat, pigs and some poultry.
POULTRY:
Commercial poultry farmers are few. However, almost every home has some local birds to provide meat protein and eggs for sale.
Animal Production
Major Animals and their Production Levels
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Sheep 9,320 8,540 9,100 9,300 9,600
Goats 10,000 9,600 10,120 12,000 12,542
Pigs 5,600 5,100 4,500 3,500 3,650
Cattle 980 1,100 1,200 1,500 1,540
Poultry
Local
Exotic
 16,500
60,000
 17,100
65,000
 17,400
63,000
 18,240
63,500
 18,950
64,350
 
 
Special Programmes
Block Farm Concept by Government to promote maize production in the municipality is going on. Inputs are given to selected farmers to go into maize production and cost of the inputs recovered from the farmers after harvest.
In 2010 when the programme started in the municipality a total of 127 farmers cultivated 133.04 ha
In 2011 inputs to cover 100 ha were distributed to 170 beneficiary farmers including the Ghana Air Force based in Takoradi who are cultivating former GHASEL land near Komenda.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME, BLOCK FARM COMPONENT
Block Farm component was started and successfully completed at Komenda and Antado respectively.
118.8 hectares were planted by 127 farmers, 95 males and 32 females from 13 communities within the municipality.
The municipal directorate took delivery of six hundred and fifty one (651) bags of NPK 16-16-16 and five hundred and sixty nine (569) bags of Ammonia fertilizers respectively for distribution to the beneficiary farmers engaged in the project.
COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PARTNERS
ROOT AND TUBER IMPROVEMENT AND MARKETING PROGRAMME
SWEETPOTATO PRODUCTION
In collaboration with the above programme new sweetpotato varieties have been introduced to farmers and their cultivation is ongoing in some selected areas of the municipality. Demonstrations on their production took the form of Farmer Field Fora, in Komenda and Dompoase on ten plots each measuring 30x10m for 40 tertiary farmers.
Varieties planted included:
Apomuden
CRI-Otoo
Tek
Santum Puna
Faara and High Starch
CASSAVA PLANTING MATERIAL
Farmers’ interest in the improved cassava planting material, ’Afisiafi and ‘Bankyehemaa’ continued to grow. In the course of the year 1,361bundles of coppiced ‘Afisiafi’ and ‘Bankyehemaa’ cassava sticks to cover 14.6 ha were distributed to 75 beneficiary farmers
SOIL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Another trial on potato took place at Komenda and Antado in collaboration with the Soil Research Institute, Kumasi.
Performance of two varieties, Hi-Starch and Tek were investigated with the application of 5 measured grades of NPK fertilizer:
60-30-30,
60-30-60,
60-30-90,
30-15-15
30-15-60.
These were mixed with determined quantities of Muriate of Potash (MoP), Urea and Poultry manure.
Outcome of this investigation was yet to be made known by SRI
WIENCO
This company collaborated with the directorate to set up a ¼ acre demonstration plot of maize variety ‘Panar’ 53 at Komenda to draw farmers’ attention to the potentialities of this variety.
NATIONAL COCKEREL PROJECT
Thirty five (35) beneficiaries, 15 males and 20 females were, during the year supplied with a total of 700 birds by MOFA to improve their local poultry. They were trained on poultry management practices by MAO in charge of livestock and assisted by RAO –Livestock from the regional office.
MOAP
Market oriented agriculture project is operating in the Municipality.
The project is helping to introduce farmers to the value chain approach to pineapple production i.e. sugar loaf and MD2.
RTIMP
Root and tuber improvement and marketing programme support for farmers to multiply high yielding improved cassava and sweet potato planting materials for distribution to other farmers. Up to date 101 farmers were supplied with improved cassava planting materials to plant 23ha. Others included
Trained farmers / stakeholders in business development and marketing
Supported farmers to add value to root and tuber crops
Special Maize Programme
Farmers were supported with inputs – fertilizers, seed and weedicides to produce maize.
2005 60 acres
2006 350 acres
2007 115 acres
The major challenge with this programme is the poor recovery of the cost of inputs.
In 2008, 60 acres of maize and vegetable demonstrations were set up in 12 operational areas in the Municipality, using the value chain approach.
Field day s were organized to highlight certain key technologies
Coconut / cassava adaptive trials
Coconut / plantain adaptive trials
The coconut sector development project continue to support with improved germinated nuts for nursery establishment and then sold to farmers
  1. Gomoa West
  2. Efutu Municipal
  3. Cape Coast Metropolitan
  4. Awutu/Senya
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