scholarly journals Food security, sweet potato production, and proximity to markets in northern Ghana

FACETS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 919-936
Author(s):  
Leland Glenna ◽  
Yetkin Borlu ◽  
Thomas Gill ◽  
Janelle Larson ◽  
Vincent Ricciardi ◽  
...  

Debates concerning how to achieve food security tend to fall into one of two camps. The first is that high-technology, market-oriented approaches promise to enhance agricultural productivity and improve food security. The counterargument is that low-technology approaches, when combined with building social and physical infrastructure, are more effective at meeting people’s food needs. Using a survey of 540 farm households in northern Ghana, we assess the level of food security for smallholders by analyzing the influence of a low-technology and low-external-input approach, such as sweet potatoes, and that of the production of an improved, commercially produced crop, such as rice. We also measure the influence of market access. Our results indicate that sweet potato producers are more likely to be food secure than commercial rice producers. However, the proximity to and interaction with markets is also associated with farmer food security, even when controlling for measures of prosperity. These findings suggest that low-technology approaches and high-technology, market-oriented approaches should not be treated as diametrically opposed to each other. Enhancing smallholder production of low-technology staple crops like sweet potatoes is likely to improve well-being. At the same time, interventions to build the physical and social infrastructure necessary to enable market participation would also be likely to enhance smallholder well-being.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
William Faustine Epeju ◽  
Peter Milton Rukundo

Two relevant studies on food security are referred to in the article. Food insecurity from time to time threatens in Teso sub region which houses a viable Teso agricultural system. One study was done during 2001-2003 in Teso on sweet potato production with 650 persons participating and the second one was done in one disaster affected area of Bududa District nearby during 2012-2016 when 1,142 persons participated. Kiryandongo District where Bududa landslide survivors were resettled in Uganda was included in that study. Participatory methods such as focus group discussions, farm observations, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires were used. Both studies used qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis. The sweet potato stands second after cassava as the crop for famine and disaster periods in Teso to meet the human right to adequate food to complement the well dried cereals & grain legumes that stored longer. Livestock especially was also one of the prime determinants of food security and income in Teso. Free from cyanides with a good content of affordable Vitamin A from orange fleshed varieties, sweet potatoes in Teso contributed about 61% to the yearly food per capita of the population thus a recommendable crop for sustainable food security and some income in Teso and beyond. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 940 (1) ◽  
pp. 012089
Author(s):  
H Pribadi ◽  
S Jumiyati ◽  
A Muis ◽  
I K Widnyana ◽  
J Mustabi

Abstract The rate of world population growth gets faster every year, while on the other hand the land available for food production activities is increasingly limited. Efforts to increase income and food crop production by using cocoa farming to support national food security can be done by optimizing of land through crop diversification patterns by planting local tubers under cocoa farming. This research aims to analyze the optimization of land use, revenue and production costs. In addition, analyzing the nutritional content contained in each type of local tubers, namely sweet potato, cassava and taro. The research was conducted in the the buffer zone of Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL), Palolo District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The results showed that the optimization of land use and revenue was obtained through the diversification pattern of sweet potato and cocoa. Optimization of the costs use occurs in the use of fertilizer production inputs. In addition, sweet potatoes have a higher calorific value, protein and fat compared to cassava and taro. However, the carbohydrate content of cassava is higher than that of sweet potato and taro.


2021 ◽  
Vol 892 (1) ◽  
pp. 012031
Author(s):  
C Cerio

Abstract This study analyzes the existing value chain of sweet potatoes in the Partido District of Camarines Sur, the Philippines. A combination of surveys and participant observation was utilized in the study. Four sociological perspectives were used in the interpretation and analysis of the data, such as new economic sociology, symbolic interactionism, role theory, and exchange network theory. Six components of the value chain were evaluated, such as (a) agents, roles, and links; (b) inputs, outputs and activities that generate transformation; (c) value addition and value allocation; (d) final products or a group of final products; (e) power relations and governance mechanisms; and (f) problems and opportunities shared by all agents. The study found four major links involving five actors – farmers/producers, middlemen or wholesalers, retailers, processors, and end consumers. Analysis of the sweet potato value chain shows that sweet potato production has great potential to improve the well-being of participants. Sweet potato production gave farmers an 81% net profit margin and contributed to 39% of their livelihood. However, there remain general production and utilization challenges and post-harvest and by-product processing issues. The study established the significance of embeddedness and the wider social structure for the sweet potato agribusiness and provided policy inputs for the development of the sweet potato value chain in the district.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Portia Ndou ◽  
Bridget Taruvinga ◽  
Christian P. du Plooy

The Agricultural Research Council in partnership with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform are engaged in promoting the establishment of sustainable Sweet Potato Enterprise projects in South Africa. This study sought to investigate the viability of smallholder sweet potato enterprises for the South African rural communities. Formal market surveys and Gross margin analysis were utilised in addressing the research questions. Results of the study indicate that both the sweet potato vine nurseries and growers stand a significant chance to gain considerable amount of income from sweet potato enterprises. Sweet potato vines had a gross margin of between R219,000.00 and R226,000.00 while the sweet potatoes attracted an average gross margin of R47,000.00/ha. Coupled with the potential to create employment and provide access to the nutritious sweet potato cultivars, sweet potato enterprises can potentially improve food security among the rural poor in South Africa, indirectly extending benefits even to those who are not directly involved in production. This study recommends support of smallholder farmers through training and infrastructure development, as well as creation of awareness among rural people of the benefits of sweet potatoes.


2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel-Ann Lyons ◽  
Connie Nelson
Keyword(s):  

2020 ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
Т.Э. Остонакулов ◽  
А.А. Шамсиев

В 2017–2019 годах изучены сортообразцы сладкого картофеля на староорошаемых лугово-сероземных почвах Зарафшанской долины. Цель исследований – комплексная оценка сортообразцов батата в условиях Зарафшанской долины по скороспелости, росту, развитию, интенсивному размножению, формированию урожая, компактности клубней в гнезде, продуктивности, урожайности и лежкости клубней и выделение из них перспективных, а также разработка приемов агротехнологии получения высоких урожаев для данных условий. Почвы опытного участка характеризуются благоприятными агрофизическими и водными свойствами и низким содержанием гумуса, нитратного азота, подвижного фосфора и содержанием обменного калия от низкого до среднего. Сравнивали 18 сортообразцов батата. Выделенные сортообразцы изучали при ширине междурядий 70 и 90 см со схемой 70×25 и 90×20 см по 1, 2 и 3 растения в гнезде. Для получения рассады сортообразцов батата брали по 40 клубней и высаживали 20–22 февраля в пленочной теплице при температуре 15–18 °C, заделывая их на глубину 3–5 см. Влажность почвы поддерживали на уровне 65–70%. Через 7–10 дней после высадки почки начинают прорастать, а через 43–48 дней формируется рассада высотой 12–15 см, готовая для высадки в поле. Высадка рассады, как и других рассадных культур (томата, перца, баклажана) – по схеме 70×20–25 см во второй-третьей декаде апреля. Уход включал в себя междурядную обработку (культивация), прополку, борьбу с сорняками, подкормку, поливы. Уборка урожая – в конце сентября-начале октября с помощью картофелекопателя. В результате исследований выделились сорта по скороспелости, дружности формирования ростков, ускоренному размножению, продуктивности, компактности клубней в гнезде и с высоким товарным урожаем – Сочакинур, Хар-Бей и Япон. Возделывание этих сортообразцов по схеме 70×25 и 90×20 см способствует получению товарного урожая высокого качества не менее 43–48 т/га. In 2017–2019, studies were conducted on the study of varieties of sweet potatoes on old-irrigated meadow-gray-earth soils of the Zarafshan valley. The purpose of the research is a comprehensive assessment of sweet potato varieties in the conditions of the Zarafshan valley in terms of early maturity, growth, development, intensive reproduction, yield formation, compactness of tubers in the nest, productivity, yield and keeping quality of tubers and the selection of promising ones, as well as the development of methods of agricultural technology for obtaining high yields for given conditions. The soil is characterized by favorable agrophysical and water properties and low content of humus, nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and a low-average content of exchange potassium. Eighteen sweet potato varieties were compared. The selected variety samples were studied with a row spacing of 70 and 90 cm with a scheme of 70×25 and 90×20 cm for 1, 2 and 3 seedlings in the nest. To obtain seedlings of sweet potato varieties, 40 tubers were taken and planted on February 20–22 in a film greenhouse at a temperature of 15–18 °C, seeding to a depth of 3–5 cm, the soil moisture was maintained at 65–70%. 7–10 days after planting, the buds began to germinate, and after 43–48 days, seedlings were formed with a height of 12–15 cm, which is ready for planting in the field. Planting seedlings in the field is carried out, as well as other seedlings (tomato, pepper, eggplant) according to the scheme 70x20–25 cm in the second or third decade of April. Growing includes inter-row processing (cultivation), weeding, weed control, top dressing, watering. Harvesting in late September, early October with a potato digger. As a result of the research, varieties were identified in terms of early maturity, sprout formation, accelerated reproduction, productivity, compactness of tubers in the nest and ensuring a high marketable yield – Sochakinur, Xar-Bey, and Japon. The cultivation of these varieties according to the scheme 70×25 and 90×20 cm contributes to the production of a commodity crop at 43–48 t/ha with good qualities.


Agrotek ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew B. Pattikawa ◽  
Antonius Suparno ◽  
Saraswati Prabawardani

<em>Sweet potato is an important staple food crop especially for the local people of Central Highlands Jayawijaya. There are many accessions that have always been maintained its existence to enrich their various uses. Traditionally, sweet potato accessions were grouped based on the utilization, such as for animal feed, cultural ceremonies, consumption for adults, as well as for infants and children. This study was aimed to analyze the nutritional value of sweet potatoes consumed by infants and children of the Dani tribe. Chemical analyses were conducted at the Laboratory of Post-Harvest Research and Development Center, Cimanggu, Bogor. The results showed that each of 4 (four) sweet potato accessions which were consumed by infants and children had good nutrient levels. Accession Sabe showed the highest water content (72.56%), vitamin C (72.71 mg/100 g), Fe (11.85 mg/100 g), and K levels (130.41 mg / 100 grams). The highest levels of protein (1.44%), fat (1.00%), energy (154.43 kkal/100 gram), carbohydrate (35.47%), starch (30.26%), reducing sugar (3.44%), riboflavin (0.18 mg/100 g), and vitamin A (574.40 grams IU/100 were produced by accession Manis. On the other hand, accession Saborok produced the highest value for ash content (1.32%), vitamin E (28.30 mg/100 g), and ?-carotene (64.69 ppm). The highest level of crude fiber (1.81 %) and thiamin (0.36 mg/100 g) was produced by accession Yuaiken.</em>


Agrotek ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonius Suparno ◽  
Opalina Logo ◽  
Dwiana Wasgito Purnomo

Sweet potato serves as a staple food for people in Jayawijaya. Many cultivars of sweet potatoes have been cultivated by Dani tribe in Kurulu as foot for their infant, child and adult as well as feeding especially for pigs. Base on the used of sweet potatoes as food source for infant and child, this study explored 10 different cultivars. As for the leaf morphology, it was indentified that the mature leaves have size around 15 � 18 cm. general outline of the leaf is reniform (40%), 60% have green colour leaf, 50% without leaf lobe, 60% of leaf lobes number is one, 70% of shape of central leaf lobe is toothed. Abazial leaf vein pigmentation have purple (40%), and petiole pigmentation is purple with green near leaf (60%), besides its tuber roots, sweet potatoes are also harvested for its shoots and green young leaves for vegetables.


2018 ◽  
pp. 16-31
Author(s):  
Tatyana Denisova

For the first time in Russian African studies, the author examines the current state of agriculture, challenges and prospects for food security in Ghana, which belongs to the group of African countries that have made the most progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals adopted by UN member states in 2015 with a view of achieving them by 2030. The SDGs include: ending poverty in all its forms everywhere (Goal 1); ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture (2); ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (3), etc. These goals are considered fundamental because the achievement of a number of other SDGs – for example, ensuring quality education (4), achieving gender equality (5), ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns (12), etc. – largely depends on their implementation. Ghana was commended by the world community for the significant reduction in poverty, hunger and malnutrition between 2000 and 2014, i.e. for the relatively successful implementation of the first of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000–2015) – the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. However, SDGs require more careful study and planning of implementation measures. In order to achieve the SDGs, the Government of Ghana has adopted a number of programs, plans and projects, the successful implementation of which often stumbles upon the lack of funding and lack of coordination between state bodies, private and public organizations, foreign partners – donors and creditors, etc., which are involved in the processes of socioeconomic development of Ghana. The author determines the reasons for the lack of food security in Ghana, gives an assessment of the state of the agricultural sector, the effective development of which is a prerequisite for the reduction of poverty and hunger, primarily due to the engagement of a significant share (45%) of the economically active population in this sector. The study shows that the limited growth in food production is largely due to the absence of domestic markets and necessary roads, means of transportation, irrigation and storage infrastructure, as well as insufficient investment in the agricultural sector, rather than to a shortage of fertile land or labor.


Food Security ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrine E. Wright ◽  
Julie E. Lucero ◽  
Jenanne K. Ferguson ◽  
Michelle L. Granner ◽  
Paul G. Devereux ◽  
...  

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