Upgrading the productivity and competitiveness of the cassava industry

Abstract

The survey on cassava productivity and competitiveness in Ghana was carried out between Oct 29 and November 21st 2003. The actual work involved review of available literature, stakeholder consultations, interviews with processors, government ministries, research and development agencies, private processors, current and potential cassava users, and farmers groups. Cassava is the most cultivated food crop in Ghana, where an estimated 90% of all rural households are involved in cassava production. The crop is grown in all regions of the country except Upper East and Upper West where production is extremely limited. The current production is estimated at about 10 million MT per annum, with an average yield of over 12MT/ha. The yields are comparable to major cassava producing countries in the world. In areas where RTIP has carried out intensive extension campaign, yields of up to 28MT/ha have been realized. Ghana is sixth largest cassava producer in the world and second in Africa. Cultivation is largely based on household needs and for local markets, and not to supply large industrial users who would require a more programmed cultivation, harvesting and probably homogeneous varieties