Ghana mango farmers struggle with climate-smart farming adoption
Field study shows many growers favor short-term gains over long-term soil care
GHANA – Farmers in Yilo Krobo Municipality say rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and pests are hurting mango production and forcing them to make tough decisions about farming practices.
A new study by Dr Kwaku Adu of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development reveals that many farmers adopt climate-smart farming practices that give quick results, but skip methods that build lasting resilience.
According to the study, mango growers widely use improved seedlings, correct tree spacing and pruning. These steps help boost yields and reduce losses in the short run. Farmers also use more pesticides to protect fruit against pests.
Most growers say they choose what helps them earn money quickly. “We pick the things that make our trees bear fruit faster,” said farmer Emmanuel Ofori. “Our families depend on the income now.”
By contrast, practices such as mulching, cover crops and water-saving methods remain rare. These methods improve soil moisture and reduce climate risks over time, but they demand more work and patience before farmers see results.
Farmer Akua Mensah said she tried mulching but stopped because she could not handle the extra labour. “It kept me from planting other crops I needed to feed my children,” she said.
Support and services matter
The research highlights how education and access to advice shape decisions. Farmers with more schooling better understand long-term risks and benefits. Those who get support from agricultural officers are more likely to try new methods.
Dr Adu said access to credit also plays a role. Many farmers cannot afford to invest in equipment or irrigation. “Without affordable loans, farmers fear losing their little money,” he explained.
Smaller farms focus first on feeding their households. Large farms can risk trying new methods because they have more resources. Distance from markets also limits access to tools and ideas that help with advanced farming practices.
Policy challenges and solutions
The study points to limits of awareness campaigns alone. It calls for stronger extension services that help farmers adopt soil and water conservation practices. It also calls for better access to affordable credit for mango growers.
“Mango trees are long-term crops,” said Dr Adu. “Decisions farmers make today affect their future harvests.”
Ghana produced more than 103 million kilograms of mangoes in 2023 and earned about US$75 million from exports in 2024. The United Kingdom remains the top buyer, and the government is pushing processing plans to reduce losses that now run at about thirty percent of harvests.
New processing projects aim to cut those losses in half. Export earnings could rise to between US$100 million and US$120 million by 2030 if training and irrigation improve farm outcomes.
Farmers also need more storage and processing facilities to reach new markets beyond fresh fruit exports. Many hope better support and services will help them manage climate risks and strengthen Ghana’s place in global mango trade.
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