期刊名称：The Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA)
电子版ISSN：1520-5509
出版年度：2011
卷号：13
期号：7
出版社：Institute of Sustainable Development in Africa
摘要：This study evaluated the economics of seed yam production in four major yam producing Districts in Ghana. The analysis was based on primary data collected from seventy (70) seed yam producers selected through snowball sampling technique. The data covered seed yam production activities during the 2009 cropping season. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and gross margin analysis was used to assess the profitability of seed yam production. On average, a typical seed yam producer cultivated 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) of seed yam and the yield was estimated at 8,319setts/acre. Average variable cost incurred on an acre of seed yam farm was estimated at GH¢685.68 and planting material costs constituted about 44% of this cost. The gross revenue obtained from seed yam sales was estimated at GH¢1,518.22 per acre and the corresponding gross margin was found to be GH¢832.54 per acre. Evidence from the study suggests that seed yam production is a profitable venture. However, the gross margin of seed yam production varied markedly across yam producing Districts, primarily due to differences in yield and price of seed yams. The two most important production constraints were identified to be inadequate capital and high labour cost. The paper has demonstrated that seed yam production has bright prospects in Ghana and presents an opportunity for private investors to diversify their investment portfolios.
