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Cultivating Prosperity: UNIDO’s Effective Control of Pest and Diseases Impacts Ghana’s Mango Farmers
The horticultural mango sub-sector in Ghana faces numerous challenges, including pests, diseases, and misuse of agrochemicals, which ultimately impact fruit exports. Mango is particularly susceptible to serious disease problems, such as Bacterial Black Spot (BBS) and fruit flies, which have reached epidemic levels in many areas where mangoes are grown in Ghana. If not controlled, these issues could lead to an 80% loss in yield, resulting in significant income losses for mango farmers due to decreased exports.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has played a pivotal role in addressing the challenges associated with the quality of mango exports and the management of BBS (bacterial black spot) and fruit flies. Through the European Union-financed West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) - Ghana, UNIDO collaborated with the Plants Pest and Disease Control Company Limited (PPEDCO) to conduct an extensive baseline study. This study yielded crucial insights into the prevalence of mango bacterial black spot disease (BBS) in the Techiman and Kintampo communities.
The primary objective of this initiative is to implement targeted interventions to mitigate the spread of BBS and to support mango farmers in utilizing appropriate agrochemicals to meet export standards.
Working with PPEDCO, UNIDO provided technical farm assistance on agronomic practices and plant protection techniques for efficient control of BBS and fruit flies and also facilitated connections between the farmers and identified fruit processing companies in the Bono East Region.
“The capacity of the PPEDCO spraying teams has been boosted with the acquisition of essential tools and equipment (10 Stihl Mist Blowers and 10 Motorized Pruners) by UNIDO to further improve the company's ability to provide extension services effectively. We enhanced the workforce of farmers to combat diseases, and as a result, the production of the Kintampo Mango Farmers Association cluster increased from 1.2 tonnes per acre to 5 tonnes per acre,”
This collaborative effort has significantly strengthened the agricultural landscape and bolstered the prospects of mango farmers in the region.
WACOMP supported 325 farmers in the middle belt who were facing continuous threats to their mango production. The support aimed to sustain and implement comprehensive solutions that addressed pest and disease management enhanced technical capacity, and improved market access. As a result, postharvest losses decreased, market access expanded, and farmers were able to sell their mangoes at better prices.
Mr. Asenso Mensah, Managing Director of Plant Pests and Disease Control Company Limited
The project's collaboration with PPEDCO not only helped to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as improving income, enhancing food security, promoting good health, creating employment, and mitigating climate change effects through sustainable agricultural practices, but also significantly contributed to the overall well-being and prosperity of the community. It enhanced the resilience of mango farmers in the middle belt cluster in Ghana.
As part of the collaboration, PPEDCO recruited 30 additional personnel to provide extension services to farmers, strengthening their capacity to address pest and disease management challenges. Additionally, a seasoned agricultural expert was engaged to build the capacity of PPEDCO staff with the knowledge and skills needed to implement proper pruning techniques, mitigate the spread of diseases and pests, and use appropriate pruning equipment.
The implementation of targeted interventions on selected farms was supported by WACOMP. This included major pruning, weed control, and comprehensive spraying sessions using appropriate chemicals to effectively combat diseases and pests. As a result of these activities, farm management practices have improved and crop yields have been enhanced, added Asenso.
A new revolving input credit scheme has been introduced through a partnership between PPEDCO and Agromonti, an input dealer, to assist farmers in overcoming financial challenges when it comes to obtaining necessary agricultural inputs. This initiative has proven to be a vital support system for farmers.
Additionally, WACOMP has formed alliances with farmer associations, offering financial management training to enable farmers to confidently navigate financial matters and gain access to credit options for purchasing inputs.
One of the most remarkable accomplishments of the project is the substantial rise in both crop yield and income among the selected farmers. Among the 20 farmers involved, 18 anticipate a minimum harvest of 5 tons per acre of high-quality fruits, signalling a notable increase from the previous average yield of 1.4 tons per acre. This substantial enhancement has also resulted in a corresponding rise in average income, soaring from Ghc 1,780 per acre before the project's implementation to Ghc 6,900.00 per acre, reflecting an impressive income surge of 287%.
Moreover, WACOMP-Ghana has played a crucial role in establishing valuable connections for the farmers. By partnering with exporters and processors including Ababio Express, Bomarts, HPW Fresh & Dry, and Blue Skies, the program aims to minimize postharvest losses and create better market opportunities for mango farmers. Ultimately, this collaboration seeks to uplift the economic prospects and overall livelihoods of these farmers in the middle belt of Ghana.
The project has not only increased agricultural productivity and income but has also created job opportunities for young men and women in the community. 70 young men have been given permanent employment as part of pruning and spraying gangs, contributing to the goal of decent work and economic growth. This has led to a 75% increase in PPEDCO membership, allowing for continued agronomic support to selected farmers and an expansion of reach to other farmers.
Testimonials from Beneficiaries:
Dominic Boateng, who had been tending his orchard in Oforikrom, Kintampo for years, had never harvested beyond 10 tons from his 7-acre mango farm until he received support from UNIDO. With their help, his harvest soared to 35 tons—a staggering 3.5 times improvement!
"I have been cultivating mango for several years. I never harvested beyond 10 tons from my 7-acre mango farms. This was mainly due to problems with bacteria black sport (BBS). The intervention from WACOMP has reduced the incidence of BBS. As a result, our harvest increased to 35 tons from my 7-acre mango farm,
Dominic D. Boateng, Mango Farmer and a beneficiary of UNIDO WACOMP Project at his farm admiring his mangoes
Kwame Adjei, in Kwabia, Kintampo, faced a similar plight. His 6-acre mango farm yielded a modest 15 tons, barely enough to sustain his family. However, after receiving support from UNIDO, his yield increased to 55 tons—3.6 times the previous amount.
“I have benefitted significantly from the support UNIDO and EU WACOMP provided. The harvest from my 6-acre mango farm increased from 15 tons to 55 tons after the project intervention," he said.
Madam Esther Adomako Kodom, whose farm is nestled in Paninamisa, Bono East Region, also saw a remarkable transformation. Before the project, her 12-ton yield seemed insufficient. However, with the support of UNIDO through PPEDCO, her yield increased to an impressive 48 tons—a significant fourfold increase in productivity.
"With the support of UNIDO through PPEDCO, my farm in Paninamisa experienced a remarkable transformation. Before the project, my farm yielded only 12 tons, but thanks to improved techniques and access to quality inputs, my yield increased to 48 tons. This increase in productivity has truly changed my life and underscores the effectiveness of UNIDO in empowering farmers like me to succeed," confirmed Esther Adomako Kodom.
Kwame Adjei, in his farm at Kwabia, Kintampo showing evidence of UNIDO's support
Esther Adomako Kodom also at her farm pruning her mango farm in Paninamisa, Bono East Region
