PRACTICES AND CONSTRAINTS OF FARMERS IN THE STORAGE AND PEST MANAGEMENT OF SORGHUM AND MAIZE IN THE SAVELUGU-NANTON DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

This study examines the practices and constraints of farmers in the storage and insect pest management in the Savelugu-Nanton District of Ghana. Data were collected from 187 farmers with the aid of structured and validated questionnaire. Respondents were selected using a two stage simple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordered profit regression model. The results showed that the following storage facilities were available and used by farmers in the study area: mud rhombus (57.8%), Kambog (15.5%), the woven basket (16.0%), pots (5.3%), bag (13.3%), and open platform (5.3). Respondents indicated that their storage facilities have not been very efficient. It thus, predisposes the grains to serious attacks from biotic constraints such as insects, birds, rats and molds. Respondents reported that for every bag of grain stored about a bowl is lost to insect pests infestation. The main insects that affect the grains were reported to include grain weevils, grain borers, grain beetles and grain moths. The control measures adopted by respondents were mentioned to include physical, chemical and phytochemical measures with emphasis on the use of traditional botanical pesticides. From the ordered profit results, six variables, namely, age, sun drying, storage walls, roofs, floors, and general condition of storage structure were found to have significant effect on storage practices of farmers. From the findings of this study, it was recommended that the government should provide farmers with modern storage facilities educate farmers on adequate storage methods such as harvesting at the right time, drying grain to safe moisture content before storage and disinfect grains of insect pest before storage. If these recommendations are implemented, the storage problems and the resultant food insecurity will be ameliorated.