Description

Abstract: A USAID funded Peanut CRSP project on pest management in peanuts was initiated in 1996 with North

Carolina State University as the lead U.S. institution and the Crops Research Institute in Kumasi, Ghana and

the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute in Tamale, Ghana as the host country institutions. The initial

focus of the program was to investigate the limiting factors of insects and diseases on peanut production in

both northern and southern Ghana. The project rapidly expanded to include weeds, fertility, nematodes,

planting and row patterns, improved cultivars, seed storage and other production components. Several key

components of this project have led to the successful adoption of research findings. First was the placement

of research trials in farmers’ fields as well as at research institutes. Extension workers were actively involved

in the process of monitoring and evaluating research plots. The final, and perhaps most important component, was the constant involvement of the farmers from the local villages. They were able to participate and readily grasp new production techniques. The overall results from this project, which

includes the incorporation of improved cultivars, disease management with local soaps, and planting in rows

with good weed management has produced a doubling of yields on a per acre basis and increased production acreage. Socio-economic studies have documented that this elevated enhancement of peanut production has had positive benefits for local villages.