THE EFFECTS OF ADRA’S MANGO PROJECT ON LIVELIHOODS IN THE YILO KROBO DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

Although recent statistics reveal a decline in poverty in Ghana, many people still live below the poverty line. Rural small-holder food crop farmers are the most vulnerable groups affected by poverty. This is due to their limited access to micro-credits. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a Non Governmental Organization in Ghana and has been working with small-holder farmers in the Yilo Krobo District with the aim of improving rural income and improving the well-being of the rural poor. However the effects of ADRA‟s interventions on livelihoods of farmers are not adequately explored. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of ADRA‟s mango project on income levels and the general welfare of small-holder farmers in the district. To achieve these objectives, a mixed methodology approach combined with secondary data, and literature was applied in this research. Data was collected from 95 ADRA assisted farmers and 55 non beneficiaries in the district. Majority of the farmers reported that ADRA‟s intervention has positively contributed to increased farm sizes, rising mango output, higher incomes and improved livelihoods. On the other hand, the project has made some farmers poorer, as they were unable to repay loans they accessed because of very low production which was explained by poor soil quality in their localities. Limited access to international markets is another problem reported by the farmers. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the government of Ghana and other development organisations should adopt and replicate ADRA‟s project in different localities since there is a possibility of spill over effect on the livelihood of the rural poor. However, soil quality assessments must be carried out whenever similar agricultural projects are being designed. It was also recommended that the government must work with ADRA to link mango producers with international markets.