The current status of mango farming business in Ghana: A case study of mango farming in the Dangme West District

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a crop which is assuming great economic importance in Ghana. There is limited empirical information on the current status of the mango farming business to justify the growing interest in the crop. The purpose of the study was to identify the major characteristics and the perceived constraints and prospects of the mango farming business in Ghana. Based on a case study of mango farmers in the Dangme West District, it was found that mango farming business in Ghana is male dominated, and predominantly practised as monoculture by small to medium scale holders, with Kent and Keitt as the major varieties grown. The main and trustworthy sources of mango planting materials are the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and private seedling producing farms that collaborate with MoFA. Fluctuating market price of the fresh fruit, pests and diseases, especially the mango fruit-flies, and inadequate funds were found as major constraints to most mango farmers. Nonetheless, the mango business is perceived to have good prospects because the crop has high demand and good local and export market that can improve and, thus, with support from stakeholders, including government, NGOs and industry, the crop can become a big export produce for Ghana.