Okra Production Constraints and Awareness of Seed-Borne Fungi Infection in Ten Major Okra Growing Communities of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

Okra production is one of the major sources of livelihood for the majority of farmers in the Ashanti region of Ghana. In view of this a survey was conducted among okra farmers in 10 major okra growing communities in Ashanti region of Ghana namely Mankranso, Mfensi-Adankwame, Beposo, Abompe, Kotokuom, Nkwanta-Kesse, Atwima Mim, Abaesua, Offinso and Nerebehi between October, 2017 and March, 2018 to assess their production constraints and awareness of seed-borne fungi infection menace and it management in okra. Data were obtained from 100 okra farmers selected using multi-stage sampling procedure through the use of structured questionnaire and interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows. Descriptive statistics were used and means were presented using tables and graphs. There was a clear dominance of male (75 %) as against female (25 %). Ninety-one percent (91%) of the farmers were married. Fifty four percent (54%) had basic education and 43% had no formal education. Approximately, 42 % of the farmers have been in okra production for over 10 years. Fifty three percent of the farmers intercropped okra with other vegetables. Majority (38%) of the farmers cultivated okra from two to three hectares. Most of the farmers (34 %) ranked pest infestation followed by diseases (24 %) as the major constraints of okra production. Majority (77 %) of the farmers were not aware of seed-borne fungi of okra and therefore most (73 %) of them did not manage the infection.  Farmers should therefore be educated by extension officers on seed-borne fungi to create their awareness of the seed-borne infection in the study areas for effective management.