BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF INDIGENOUS SHEANUT PRODUCERS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA: THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

This paper utilizes household level data to ascertain the capacity-building role of District Assemblies (DAs) in the Northern Region of Ghana with emphasis on indigenous sheanut producers. One hundred and three (103) respondents were interviewed in three Districts of the Northern Region of Ghana during the 200112002 farming season. The study reveals that women constitute the primary producers and sellers of sheanut products in the Region. Poor access to finance (credit) is the most severe constraint in the sheanut business environment, fol- lowed by problems of transportation, marketing and bureaucracy. Although the DAs are aware of the export potentials of sheanuts they have not initiated any collaboration with the business community especially, the sheanut producer groups in the rural areas. The findings suggest that the scope and emphasis of training programmes do not target sheanut producers. We recommend that DAs collaborate with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) to pro- vide farmers and producers with technical, fund raising and business planning and management skills. All sectors of the local economy should be part of the DAs capacity building strategy including local citizens and the private sector. Finally, DAs capacity building programmes should target three levels: First is at the individual level which should focus on developing individual knowledge and skills; Secondly, is at the group level which concerns promoting social capital and networks to foster communication and collective action and, finally, at the institutional level which involves strengthening institutions to function effectively and efficiently.