Description

Abstract: Ninety farmers from three villages in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana were surveyed during September 2003 to determine practices used to produce peanut. Surveys were conducted in a district where farmer field schools were initiated by collaboration among scientists and practitioners from Ghana and the United States. Results from the survey of growers and components of the peanut farmer schools are presented in this article. Surveys indicated that performing germination tests prior to planting and planting peanut in rows were practices adopted most by peanut farmers attending formal farmer schools. Surveys also suggest that soil fertility and lack of host-plant resistance and disease-control practices are yield limiting in the region. Results from these surveys and discussions in farmer field schools will be used to target production and pest management practices that can be improved through research and education efforts to improve peanut production and well being of farmers in the district.