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Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus Lativum) as a Cash Crop: Assessing its Economic Impact on Smallholder Farmers in Nadowli-Kaleo District of Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Dr. Abu Abraham Kalaa

    (Department of Environment and Resource Studies, SDD- University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana.)

  • Prof. Kenneth Peprah

    (Department of Environment and Resource Studies, SDD- University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana.)

  • Prof. Abdul-Kadri Yahaya

    (Department of Environment and Resource Studies, SDD- University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana.)

  • Sufyan Sannah Gbolo

    (School of Finance & Economics, Jiangsu University, China.)

Abstract

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus Lativum) is an emerging cash crop with significant economic potential for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Despite its nutritional and medicinal benefits, research on its impact on household welfare and the challenges affecting its production and marketability remains limited. This study examines the economic contributions of tiger nut cultivation to farmers' livelihoods in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, employing a mixed-method approach with data from 310 farmers through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, the findings revealed a strong positive relationship between tiger nut farming and household income, with 88% of respondents reporting earnings from cultivation. Increased income enables farmers to invest in food crop production, enhancing household food security while also creating employment opportunities and diversifying local economies. However, challenges such as poor market access, high input costs, and climate variability hinder productivity. The study concludes that tiger nut farming significantly improves livelihoods and recommends policy interventions for sustainable growth in the sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Dr. Abu Abraham Kalaa & Prof. Kenneth Peprah & Prof. Abdul-Kadri Yahaya & Sufyan Sannah Gbolo, 2025. "Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus Lativum) as a Cash Crop: Assessing its Economic Impact on Smallholder Farmers in Nadowli-Kaleo District of Ghana," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 2054-2064, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:2054-2064
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa & Faizal Adams & Richard Kwasi Bannor & Dadson Awunyo-Vitor & Isaac Mahama & Bismark Afoakwa Osei & Yaw Owusu-Ansah & Angelina Ackon, 2019. "Job creation and improved consumer health through commercialisation of tiger nut yoghurt: a willingness to pay analysis," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 9(1), pages 1-22, December.
    2. Sylvester N. Ayambila & Umar Adam & Benjamin Tetteh Anang, 2023. "The determinants of non-traditional agricultural exports’ growth in Ghana," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(1), pages 2197322-219, December.
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