Cape Coast University conducted a 19 year rainfall study of the annual rainfall pattern of the rainy seasons in Ghana (3 rainfall distribution zones)
Northern zone: Approximate 40 inch average rainfall; 1 cropping season
Middle: Approximate 60 inches average rainfall; 2 crop seasons
Southern zone: Approximate 80 inches average rainfall; 2 crop seasons
Rainfall in Ghana is unpredictable because each year the Tropical Rain Belt swings back and forth between the northern and southern tropics Northern Ghana subject to heavy rainfall and then long dry spells associated with higher temperatures
This wreaks havoc on crop production and has forced natives to migrate
Both Formal (governmental resourced) irrigation and Informal Irrigation (i.e. Water Use Association WUA)
Ghanaian Culture
Trade between villages and regions is prevalent in Ghana; they are very community oriented
Food waste as a result of inability to store
Farmers’ profits are squeezed by the instability of the system
Ghanaian Agriculture
Common Soil Types: Clay Loam or Sandy Loam Low organic matter content in soils; more susceptible to erosion Most Common Crops: Maize, Rice, Cowpea, Cassava, Yams, Sorghum, Tomatoes, Onion, Okra, and Eggplant Ghana's main export crop is Cocoa beans; they are the second-largest producer in the world.
Stakeholder Analysis
A stakeholder analysis creates a unique framework to look at involved groups regarding a project, and their relationship to the project outcomes and objectives.