Volume 5, Issue 1, 2012

Dry-Season Farming and Agrochemical Misuse in Upper East Region of Ghana: Implication and Way Forward.  Joseph K. Laary

Abstract

This study was conducted in four districts of the Upper East region of Ghana to determine different agrochemical products sold to farmers, and the extent to which farmers use them on their crops, especially during dry season. The results showed that all kinds of highly hazardous, adulterated, and inappropriate chemical products are sold by dealers to farmers. Some of the agrochemicals sold to farmers had their labels scraped off; some were expired, while others had been transferred into different containers. Some of the agrochemical products the farmers currently use on their crops have been banned by the relevant government authorities because of their persistent, toxic, and poisonous nature. A good number of the farmers (74%) who buy the agrochemicals are illiterates, most of who do not protect themselves, and are unaware of dangers of exposure during handling, formulation, and application of agrochemicals. Fruits and vegetables are harvested within days after last agrochemical application, regardless of health implications. Most of the farmers (89%) know only synthetic chemicals and the few who know other alternatives do not see their importance or are not interested. There is therefore the need for farmer education and participatory practices on safe usage of agrochemicals to safeguard humans, other beneficial life-forms, and the environment. Full Article



Factors Influencing Rice Production in Igbemo-Ekiti Region of Nigeria

Joseph O. Basorun and Julius O. Fasakin

Abstract
This paper reports the important factors influencing rice production in Igbemo-Ekiti region of Nigeria. It does so in the context of African Regional Requirement for Food Security and Economic Development (ARFSED). One hundred and forty six (146) respondents were selected from the twenty-one (21) residential quarters of the region, through proportional random sampling technique. Using the multiple linear regression model for analysis, the study discovered that; (i) the status of the rice farmers,(ii) area of land cultivated, (iii) availability of market for the rice products (iv) the number of laborers engaged in production and (v) the use of agro-chemicals are crucial factors impacting production. The paper offers useful planning policies, particularly, promotion of status ratio in production, farm mechanization, cooperative fund, regional market development, and decentralization of agricultural input supply to enhance rice production and meet regional food demand. Full Article