scholarly journals Application of the Resource-based Theory (RBT) to Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS) and the opportunities they present for rural household food security: The Ghana context

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54
Author(s):  
F. BAA-POKU

Notwithstanding the many criticisms of the core propositions of the theory, the RBT has found many applications in various disciplines. In this paper, the author applies the core principles of the theory to highlight a strategic plant genetic resource available to farmers and agricultural practitioners in Ghana. While a number of different theoretical positions can contribute to an understanding of the concept and relevance of these often neglected crops, the RBT is used as a lens to analyse and provide some perspectives on the NUCS advantage. The intention is to create a sense of urgency among relevant stakeholders in Ghana’s agricultural sector on the need to fully embrace this critical ‘internal’ resource’ in its effort at addressing the constraints to food insecurity among rural households. The paper concludes with the author’s own perspectives and recommendations. Citation: F. Baa-Poku. Application of the Resource-based Theory (RBT) to Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS) and the opportunities they present for rural household food security: The Ghana Context. 2020; 5(1): 1-10. Received: (February 12, 2020) Accepted: (March 31, 2020

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Iin Endya Hannavi ◽  
Minar Ferichani ◽  
Ernoiz Antriyandarti ◽  
Susi Wuri Ani

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabwe Harnadih Mubanga ◽  
Bridget Bwalya Umar ◽  
Jane Muchabi ◽  
Chishimba Mubanga

The study, conducted in central Zambia was aimed at determining the major drivers of crop production choices among smallholder farmers. It utilized recent national crop production and utilization data; 200 semi-structured interview schedules, and key informant interviews conducted with smallholder farmers and experts from the agricultural sector in Zambia respectively. Results showed that despite being confronted by late on-set of rains and post germination crop attacks by army worms which made maize (Zea mays) production extremely precarious, 61.5% of the affected smallholder farmers replanted their cultivated land with maize. The farmers had a choice of whether to replant maize which had a ready market from the state agency, the Food Reserve Agency, or to plant a drought tolerant crop such as sorghum or millet which would have guaranteed them with household food security from own production. They mainly chose the former option. They increased production of other crops such as soya beans (Glycine max), sun flower(Helianthus annuus) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) when contract farming with private business entities became available. Markets determined smallholder farmers’ crop production choices more than household food security from own production or availability of climate information forecasting poor rainfall distribution. The study concludes that (i) prior knowledge of climate information does not necessarily result in a change of smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in response to a predicted climate anomaly, (ii) markets are a major determinant of crops cultivated by smallholder farmers, and hence adaptation measures involving crop diversification should be designed with market availability in mind. 


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