Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Lucius F. Hallett IV, PhD.

Second Advisor

Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, PhD.

Third Advisor

Nicholas L. Padilla, PhD.

Keywords

2013-2022, Asante Akim North, Ghana, maize production, trend

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

In spite of the numerous benefits of maize production in Ghana, its production is faced with a lot of challenges leading to production losses. Asante Akim North Municipality is one of the largest maize-producing areas in Ghana. However, studies on maize and its production in this municipality are under-researched, hence the need for this study. The main objective of the study is to analyze a 10-year (2013-2022) production trend of maize in Asante Akim North Municipality to identify factors affecting maize production in the municipality, so as to seek pragmatic measures to help improve maize yields in the municipality and Ghana at large. The mixed methods approach was adopted for the study. Furthermore, the data gathered from 150 informants in the study area through questionnaires, interviews, and secondary data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS. One of the key findings of the study reveals that about 79% of the inhabitants are engaged in maize production for a living. The trend of maize production in the municipality is not static. Despite the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns, both the area of land under maize cultivation and the yield of maize are increasing. The drivers of maize production in the study area were found to include, but not limited to, climatic factors such as rainfall variability, disease and pest infestation, land tenure system, and availability of credit. Among these factors, rainfall variability and the land tenure system were found to be the most pressing issues regarding maize production failure in the area. Yield gap analysis for maize production is recommended to be undertaken to determine the major constraints militating against improvement in maize yield in the municipality.

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