Cassava farmers’ perceived impact of the West Africa agricultural productivity programme on their livelihood systems in Brong-Ahafo region, Ghana

Abstract

Low productivity is one of the constraints identified by stakeholders as affecting the production of cassava in Ghana. The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) aimed at supporting farmers to increase productivity, providing inputs and extension services to a group of farmers during the first phase of the programme. The study assessed the perceived impact of the WAAPP on the livelihood systems of the beneficiary cassava farmers in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Descriptive-correlational survey design was used to explore relationships and predict best predictors of impact. A census was used to elicit views from 106 cassava farmers who participated in the WAAPP. Results from the study showed that more females (64.2%) than males (35.8%) benefited from the programme. They were in the active age bracket (48yrs) and mostly of low formal educational background. Most of them (51.9%) had household sizes between six and ten, and average farming experience of 16 years. They were mainly small scale farmers. Generally, the WAAPP’s components were perceived as “effective” by the respondents. The farmer groups were also very useful. There was also “positive” impact of WAAPP on all aspects of the farmers’ livelihood capitals. Results of stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the best predictors of impact were: group members’ access to improved technology, WAAPP’s provision of training and provision of inputs support. The study recommended that the women cassava farmers should request stakeholders to support them to procure processing machines at the districts to promote value addition of the fresh cassava roots before selling.