A Study of Farmers Seed Selection Methods in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region of Ghana
[1]
Emmanuel Asiedu-Darko, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, P. O. Box 7, Bunso Eastern Region, Ghana.
Low productivity of agricultural crops is among the factors leading to low income and food insecurity for rural folks in most farming communities in Ghana. One measure in which productivity could be boosted is through the use improved seeds. Among other agricultural inputs, seed is probably the most important input to farmers, thus for seed to be catalyst in agricultural production the source must be regular and the methods of seed selection must be effective. However it should be appreciated that little has been done to understand how informal seed development operates though many interventions have been put in place to cope with farmer’s seed insecurity. This paper accesses farmer’s practices for maintaining seed security in Kpandai district of the Northern region of Ghana which provides a broader picture of the various sources of seeds available to farmers. The discussion explores the possibilities of blending traditional and modern science to ensure regular supply and good quality seed to farmers at all times. Helping poor farmers’ access good quality seed will not only increase their productivity but also sustain their interest in the farming activities.
Farmers, Seed Selection, Food Security, Seed Security, Agricultural Productivity
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