PROSPECTS OF MANGO PRODUCTION IN YILO KROBO DISTRICT, EASTERN REGION, GHANA

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in the Yilo Krobo district to investigate the potentials and constraints of the rapidly growing mango plantations in the area. A total of forty (40) famers were randomly selected from five (5) communities in the district for the study. Descriptive statistics, matrix ranking, Net Present Value and Benefit Cost Ratio were the main techniques used to analyze the results.

The result shows that the farmers grow as many as eleven (11) varieties of mango of which some are highly demanded on both local and the international markets. Also, the demand for mango is high in the area. It was also realized that the farmers are faced with numerous challenges. In order of severity, the first five constraints of the enterprise are poor marketing, difficulty in accessing credit, high cost of disease and pest control, high cost of inputs, and lack of storage facilities. Others include irrigation, bush fire, theft, and change in climatic conditions.

Mango production was found to be profitable. The discounted benefit was GH₵ 9487, the Net Present Value (NPV) was GH₵ 5107 and the Benefit Cost Ratio was 2.2 indicating that the enterprise is worth undertaking.