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Farmers’ Perception of the Use and Benefits of Cowpea Storage Methods in Northern Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Ryan Kusi Osei-Asibey

    (Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB UPO, Kumasi, Ghana
    Department of Food and Postharvest Technology, Koforidua Technical University (KTU), Koforidua 03420, Ghana)

  • Faustina Dufie Wireko-Manu

    (Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB UPO, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Robert Aidoo

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB UPO, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Stanley Boakye-Achampong

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB UPO, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Felix Charles Mills-Robertson

    (Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB UPO, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Dieudonne Baributsa

    (Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

Abstract

Insect infestation during the storage of cowpea is a major challenge among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Farmers use various postharvest storage methods to deal with insect pests, including insecticides, which may result in health and environmental hazards. Four hundred (400) cowpea farmers were interviewed on their perceptions and preference of different storage methods in Northern Ghana. About 58% of farmers applied insecticides, 50% used ash, and 42% used hermetic triple-layer bags (Purdue Improved Crop Storage, PICS) to store cowpea. Most farmers (85.6%) preferred the PICS technology for its effectiveness (compared to insecticides, ash, and botanicals). Reasons for the non-use of PICS bags included unavailability (39.5%) and high price (11.7%). Farmers perceived that storing cowpea in PICS bags lowered pesticide-related health risks for both farmers and consumers. Thus, there is a need to improve the availability and affordability of PICS bags in Northern Ghana.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan Kusi Osei-Asibey & Faustina Dufie Wireko-Manu & Robert Aidoo & Stanley Boakye-Achampong & Felix Charles Mills-Robertson & Dieudonne Baributsa, 2022. "Farmers’ Perception of the Use and Benefits of Cowpea Storage Methods in Northern Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5129-:d:801102
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jones, Michael & Alexander, Corinne E. & Lowenberg-DeBoer, James, 2011. "An Initial Investigation Of The Potential For Hermetic Purdue Improved Crop Storage (Pics) Bags To Improve Incomes For Maize Producers In Sub-Saharan Africa," Working papers 115554, Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics.
    2. Hamed Taherdoost, 2019. "What Is the Best Response Scale for Survey and Questionnaire Design; Review of Different Lengths of Rating Scale / Attitude Scale / Likert Scale," Post-Print hal-02557308, HAL.
    3. Michael Jones & Corinne Alexander & James Lowenberg-DeBoer, 2011. "An Initial Investigation Of The Potential For Hermetic Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (Pics) Bags To Improve Incomes For Maize Producers In Sub-Saharan Africa," Working Papers 11-3, Purdue University, College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics.
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