Problems of Frafra potato production in Ghana

Abstract

A survey of the production of Frafra potato (Solenostemum rotundifolius Poir) in Ghana was conducted to collect baseline data on the crop and to identify constraints to production. In all, 100 farmers who were randomly selected from 16 villages and towns in five districts in the Upper East Region and Upper West Region were interviewed between August and November 1991. Results indicated that Frafra potato is an important crop in the districts of Builsa, Kassena-Nankani, Frafra, Lawra-Nandom, Jirapa-Lambussie, Nandawli, and Wa. It is usually cultivated as a monocrop but may sometimes be intercropped with yam, okro, maize, rice, sorghum, cowpea and bambara groundnut. It is usually grown on mounds and sometimes on ridges but not on the flat. Tubers are mostly used for propagation but softwood stem cuttings can also be used. Farm sizes range between 0.05 and 1.2 h. A wild type referred to as "Tug-piece", meaning shrub potato, has been identified by farmers. Constraints to production, in descending order of importance, include rapid tuber deterioration in storage, lack of adequate planting materials, pests and diseases, and insufficient soil moisture for maturing the crop.


Ghana Jnl agric. Sci. Vol.30(2) 1997: 107-113