Ghana Yam Essay

INTRODUCTION
About ninety three percent (93%) of global production of yam is from the ‘Yam Belt’ of West Africa, which expanses from Ivory Coast to Nigeria. In this region, Yam does not only serve as source of food and income to farmers, it also has a socio-cultural value (Fu et al, 2011; Ekunwe et al 2008; Izekor & Olumese 2010). Ngnenbe (2016) cited the Ghana Root Crop Traders and Exporters Union (GROCTEU) as saying that yam is also used in medicine, industry and manufacturing.
Globally, Ghana is the second highest producer of yams, producing about 6.3 million tons in 2011, with a monetary value of about $1.6 Billion (Ghana Yam Sector Development Strategy Paper). According to the strategy paper, regions in which yams are cultivated include,

For instance, Tetteh and Saakwa (1994) argued that yam production has been on the decline. Similarly, the Ghana Yam Sector Development Strategy Paper found that yam yields have been on the decline since 2009, and attributes this phenomenon to depleting soil fertility. Sagoe (2006) on the other hand, posits that root and tuber crops production has been on the increase from 1970 – 2003. She however acknowledged that this increase is due to increase in cultivation rather than increase in yield. Apart from the depleting soil fertility, there are other challenges in the yam value chain. These include high labour demand, high cost of labour, unreliable source of credit, pest and diseases, declining soil fertility, unavailability of planting materials and unpredictable weather conditions (Tetteh and Saakwa 1994).
The aim of this study is to assess the prospects and challenges of the yam industry in the Nanumba North district of the Northern region of Ghana. Administration of questionnaires and interviews will be conducted to seek information that will help in achieving the objectives of the study.
RESEARCH