Enhancing Access to Quality Seed of Improved Groundnut Varieties Through Multi-Stakeholder Platforms in Northern Ghana

AbstractOne of the main constraints to groundnut production has been the use of low yielding varieties, susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) have been used by agricultural research organizations to help make their research more relevant and to facilitate the adaptation and dissemination of findings. In the implementation of TLIII project in Ghana, eight MSPs were set up with the objective to improve groundnut productivity among actors through improved access to varieties and related technologies. Through trainings, demonstrations and field days, the platform members totalling 347 (55% being female) were exposed to two existing improved groundnut varieties and several candidate varieties which were yet to be released. The actors have become important sources of high-quality groundnut seed in their communities and beyond with the production of 5 tons of seed of the new varieties. The seed farms where improved varieties were planted and managed using good agronomic practices (GAPS) yielded up to 1.6 tons/ha, 70% higher than the use of their old varieties and practices on their personal farms which gave less than 0.5 tons/ha. This form of experiential learning was observed to be very useful in the willingness of platform members to uptake technology. As unintended benefits, through the use of funds raised by the associations, the sanitation and health of some members and their households were improved, and many engaged in non-farm businesses. Going forward, good conflict resolution skills and access to funds for supporting platform activities and members’ individual interests would be very important in the sustainability of these platforms.