The Ghana Forum for Agricultural Advisory Support and Services (GFAASS) which is a network of persons operating in the agricultural sector in Ghana, comprising members of Extensionist, Farmers, Researchers, NGOs, and other actors along the agricultural value with the aim learning and sharing extension innovations, providing strategic inputs into the country’s extension policy and providing technical backstopping to members. Some members of GFAASS undertook the above innovation and will be conducting further follows for entire innovation results.
Introduction
Agriculture contributes to the foreign exchange earnings and employs the highest workforce in Ghana. Tropical root crops, including yam, sweet potatoes, cocoyam, and cassava are stable foods in Ghana. Yams really are of great ethnic as well as agriculture importance due to its utilization.
Objective
To introduce yam minisett technique to farmers at Upper Bosomtwi community to produce adequate and quality seed yam planting materials during the planting season.
Problem Statement
Technological advancement in the agricultural sector to increase production and yield of small-holder farmers has been an issue of global concern. Yam farmers at Upper Bosomtwi community in Ghana over the years of cultivation are faced with the challenges of inadequate planting materials, high cost in acquiring quality planting materials for their commercial cultivation.
Methodology
A group of fifteen (15) yam farmers were purposively selected for the project the project. Focus group discussion was undertaken with the selected members. The project was demonstrated (method and result) to the participants before the implementation on the field.
Image source: Field data Upper Bosomtwi
Results
Farmers are willing to implement the new technique they have acquired for commercial cultivation. Farmers who were not direct beneficiaries and are risk averse have expressed interest and begun to implement the new technology because of the potential of solving problems of inadequate planting materials and the maximization of profits with associated production efficiency.
Authors: Yeboah S., Owusu G., Okorley E.L., Zikiru S., Odotei O.C.
Corresponding authors email: yeboahstephen620@gmail.com; gabrielowusu184@yahoo.com