PRODUCTION AND MARKETING PROSPECTS OF CHILLI PEPPER IN THE UPPER MANYA DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

This study primarily examines prospects and constraints of pepper production and marketing in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Data were collected from fifty (50) farmers and thirty (30) marketers through interviews using structured questionnaires. Data were evaluated using mainly descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies and percentages. Results reveal the pepper farming serves as a powerful source of food and nutrition security, as well as income for farmers since over 70% of the farmers cultivates Chilli pepper for food and income purposes. Results also indicate that chilli pepper production has a great potential for export in the study area. The results further show that chilli pepper farmers face many challenges including pest and disease infestations, poor infrastructure (for transportation), lack of storage and cooling facilities, lack of irrigation facilities, high post-harvest losses, price fluctuations, lack of credit facilities, high cost of inputs, and lack of certified seeds. The total revenue for fresh and dried chilli pepper and its gross total cost were estimated to be GH¢ 957.90 and GH¢ 955.92 and GH¢ 621.60 respectively. The farmers made a gross profit of GH¢ 336.30 from fresh pepper and GH¢ 334.32 for dried pepper. The highest price for fresh pepper was recorded in the month of February and March for both fresh and dried pepper respectively. Also for pepper marketing, seasonality or fluctuation of supply are major constraints faced by operators in the chain. Other constraints include low quality and price of produce, poor transportation services, high postharvest losses and non-compliance with export regulations