The mango industry in Ghana

Abstract

Baseline information was collected nation wide to assess the current state of mango industry in Ghana. Factors considered included size and nature of the industry, production practices, types of products, quality management practices, handling practices and challenges of the sector. Others are mango quality standards and export performance. The findings of the study showed that Ghana's mango industry is still in an infant stage. It has not developed extensively with the times. Its productivity and exports are low. It contributed about 0.3% of total agricultural exports in 2009. The export performance of fresh mango fruits from Ghana in 2009 indicated a value of US$ 234950. Between January and December 2007 Europe's import of mango from Ghana was 1,071Mt, representing only 1% as Ghana's share on the EU market. All the same, Ghana recorded the highest annual growth (73%) as well as the highest total growth (799%) amongst the exporters tabulated within the period suggesting that mango has the potential as a foreign exchange earner in Ghana. The major varieties exported are Haden, Kent, Palmer and Keitt. There is the need for improvement in production practices, enterprise development and marketing techniques. The industry needs technical and financial support considering the changing trends of the sector and the opportunities for employment and income generation in the country