CHAPTER FOUR
Date - 14/Sep/2016
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0. Economy of the District
4.1. Background
Agriculture accounts for 80% of the District economy. Commerce /Service and industry account for about 18.2% and 0.8% respectively. In other words the agriculture, commerce and industry sub-sectors of the economy are all short of private sector-led programmes and projects. The difference between the two (agriculture vs. commerce, service and industry) arises due to the various Governmental and NGO interventions in the agriculture (farming) and services sector.
Regarding employment, about 25% of the active age group (15-64) is unemployed. Majority of the employed population (93%) are in the private informal sector.
Table 11 presents the employment situation in the district.
| Employment Sector | Both sexes | Male | Female | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | Number | Percent | Number | Percent | |
| Total | 20,078 | 100.0 | 9,221 | 100.0 | 9,745 | 100.0 |
| Public (Government) | 984 | 4.9 | 568 | 6.3 | 355 | 3.6 |
| Private Formal | 281 | 1.4 | 138 | 1.5 | 121 | 1.2 |
| Private Informal | 18,713 | 93.2 | 8,470 | 91.9 | 9,215 | 94.6 |
| Semi-Public/Parastatal | 20 | 0.1 | 14 | 0.2 | 11 | 0.1 |
| NGOs (Local and International) | 80 | 0.4 | 28 | 0.3 | 43 | 0.4 |
| Unemployed | 6,575 (25%) |
Source: GSS-Nandom (2014)
.2. Agriculture
Agriculture is the major activity that engages about 80% of the population in the District. The industry is centered mainly on crops and livestock production, though there are efforts at capture and culture fisheries agro-processing and agro-trade. Animals reared include sheep, goats, cattle, pigs (swine) and poultry.
4.2.1. Crop Development
The main crops grown by the farmers are millet, rice, maize, cowpea, bambara-beans, groundnuts, yam, potatoes (sweet) and soya bean. Of these, the District has an advantage in groundnuts and cowpea production.
The district has, over the years, recorded low agricultural production due to erratic rainfall pattern, couple with the long dry harmattan and hot seasons that undermines the various efforts and interventions in the crop subsector. The result being that production always falls short of the expectations of farmers and consumers alike.
Coping measures adopted in the District mostly include the dry season vegetable production, trading and the importation of maize and other crops from either neighboring Republic of Burkina Faso, Techiman in the south or other Districts in the region. This calls for the need to enhance the provision of water for the dry season gardening and improved agricultural technologies.
The introduction of the bullock farming system is anticipated to provide employment for the youth in agriculture and also improve upon the food security situation in the District as well as income for the youth.
Table 11: Crop Production levels (metric tons)
| No | CROP | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maize | 3,700 | 3,766 | 3,954 | 4,151 |
| 2 | Rice | 250 | 150 | 157 | 164 |
| 3 | Millet | 6,900 | 14,629 | 15,360 | 16,128 |
| 4 | Sorghum | 10,500 | 34,756 | 36,493 | 38,317 |
| 5 | Cowpea | 3,116 | 6,084 | 6,388 | 6,707 |
Source: Nandom District, MoFA
4.2.2. Livestock Development
The livestock sub-sector continues to make steady but moderate gains as it is now becoming the most lucrative investment in the midst of low income levels emanating from crop production. Goat and Sheep production seems to lead the production levels.
Poultry and goats are still the most commonly reared livestock species in the District. Poultry continues to dominate the attention of the youth and farmers alike since little labour is required for an excellent income.
Pig rearing despite the high labour demand continues to receive a boost since it is fast becoming the most affordable meat within the District. It has become a strong source of security in terms of income especially for the vulnerable and excluded in the society, (the aged and widows.).
The Nandom District has a huge comparative advantage in the area of goat and sheep rearing. It has over the years established itself as the marketing centre for goats and sheep. The Nandom and Ko, Baseble markets every week receive buyers from Wa (the Regional Capital), Ashanti and the BrongAhafo Regions. These businessmen besiege these markets every week to buy hundreds of Guinea Fowls, sheep and goats to transport to the south.
However, over half of the goats, Guinea Fowls/Fowls and sheep sold at these markets are imports from neighboring Republic of Burkina Faso
Table 12: Livestock production Levels
| Livestock/ poultry | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2013 | |
| Cattle | 11,026 | 11,577 |
| Sheep | 14,837 | 15,578 |
| Goats | 28,499 | 29,923 |
| Swine | 16,257 | 17,069 |
| Poultry | 81,180 | 85,239 |
Source: Nandom District, MoFA
4.2.3. Irrigation Infrastructure
The Nandom District Assembly places a high priority on irrigation facilities to enhance dry season vegetable production.
Under the CBRDP programme, the District constructed a dam at Kokoligu. Outlet valves as well as canals to the irrigable area are yet to be rehabilitated. The dam is however being used for dry season vegetable production and fishing, as well as a source of water for animals.
The guo dam is also yet to be completed. The project has been abandoned and efforts are being put in place to complete it for use.
The LawraDistrict Assembly in collaboration with Pronet North and Concerned Universal (NGO) constructed about 7no. (4 hand dug wells and 3 tube wells) for both drinking and dry season vegetable production in communities which are now part of Nandom District. These facilities are currently being used for the purpose of drinking, watering of livestock and dry season vegetable production by the beneficiary communities. The facilities are still in quite good condition.
Currently, the rehabilitation Brutu dug out, Tuopare and zimuopare dug outs are ongoing under the Ghana Social Opportunities Project. The completion of these projects will increase the access to water for farming in the district and positively affect farm incomes.
Of all the dams and dugouts in the Districts, only Kokoligu dam have Water Users Associations (WUA), the rest are yet to form the WUA. This is a wakeup call for sensitizing all communities with dams and dug outs to form these user groups to ensure effective management and maintenance.
4.2.4. i. Manpower situation in the District
Table 13: Professional staff
| STAFF CATEGORY | STAFF AT POST | STAFF NEEDED | ACTION TAKE | No. with unreliable Motorbike | No. without Motorbikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Director of Agric (DDA) | 0 | 1 | Responsibility of Head office/ regional Director, MoFA | 1 | |
District Agric Officers (DAOs) | 0 | 1 | Responsibility of Head office, Accra | 1 | |
Crop Services (PPRS) Animal Production | 0 0 | 1 1 | 1 1 |
||
Veterinary Services | 0 | 1 | Needs qualify vet. Doctor Responsibility of Head office, Accra | 1 | |
Extension Services | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Mgt. Information officer (also in charge of SRID/PPMED) | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Women in Agric Development (WIAD) | 0 | 1 | Responsibility of Head office, Wa/Accra | 1 | |
Agric Mechanization/Post harvest Technician | 0 | 1 | Responsibility of Head office, Wa/Accra | 1 | |
| Agric. Extension Agents (AEAs) (Operational Areas): | |||||
Nandom | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Kokoligu | 1 | 0 | |||
Tantuo | 0 | 0 | 1 | ||
Monyupele | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Gengenkpe | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||
Brutu | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Tom | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Ko | 1 | 0 | Gone to school (Dip. In Agric. Extension) | 1 | |
Betaglu | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||
Technical Officers: | |||||
Market Information | |||||
Veterinary Services | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
Note: ‘staff at Post’, plus ‘staff needed’ gives the ideal staff requirement (staff ceiling); also ‘vacancies available’ is depicted by the ‘staff needed’ column figures.
ii. Supporting Staff
Table 14: Supporting Staff
| STAFF CATEGORY | STAFF AT POST | STAFF NEEDED | ACTION TAKE |
|---|---|---|---|
Executive Officer | 0 | 1 | --- |
Stores keeper | 0 | 1 | --- |
| Watchman | 0 | 5 | --- |
Cleaner | 0 | 1 | --- |
Secretary (Typist) | 0 | 1 | --- |
Labourer | 0 | 3 | --- |
Messenger | 0 | 1 | --- |
4.2.5. Major Problems Confronting Agriculture in the District
Post-harvest Losses
Post-harvest losses continue to be a major problem for the private sector within the agricultural sector of the economy. At the end of the year 2012, post-harvest losses were reduced by only 5% (Source: Nandom District, MoFA).
The reason for the post-harvest losses, stem from inadequate educationon storage of farm produce and improper use of agro-chemicals. This does not auger well for the development of the agricultural sector as most farmers will run at a loss resulting in their inability to pay loans collected. There is therefore the need for government and the private sector to help in establishing ready markets for farm produce and also help in training and providing strong facilitiesto farmers.
ii. Crop
- Low soil fertility
- High occurrence of insect pests on cowpea and vegetable crops in the field.
- Inadequate agricultural staff at all levels.
- Inappropriate use of agrochemicals among farmers and other users.
- Occasional outbreak of animal diseases such as rabies, anthrax, etc.
- Low productivity of farmers as farm managers(low use of mechanized agricultural inputs)
- Low utilization of the few open water bodies and he Black Volta in the district
The above problems within the crop subsector calls for major intervention in the area of funds for research by MoFA, SARI etc. Provision of more irrigation and dry season gardening facilities and free spraying for eradication of harmful insects on farm crops amongst others to improve upon the crop subsector is needed.
iii. Livestock Challenges
- Low genetic potential of the local breed of small ruminants and poultry
- High incidence of pests and diseases on livestock and poultry
- High cost of veterinary drugs and equipment
- Inadequate veterinary drugs and equipment
- High cost of feeding pigs
- Lack of supplementary feeding for ruminants in the dry season
- Inadequate veterinary staff.
The above problems call for District and national support towards the full development of the livestock sector to boost the private sector investment potential. This could be achieved through funding from both the Assembly and government in collaboration with MoFA.
4.2.6. Food Security
Food insecurity is one of the major challenges facing the district. Even though majority of the people are into food production, due to low productivity and low income levels, many households live without sufficient food, especially during the lean season. During harvest many of the farmers sell their subsistent produce to supplement family income leaving them with less for family upkeep. It is therefore not uncommon in the lean season to see farming households buying food stuff imported from either Burkina Faso, Techiman or neighbouring districts.
As coping mechanisms, some households skip particular meals of the day, particularly lunch. Others reduce the quantity of food consumed, while some other households provide meals for only children in the afternoon. This situation has the tendency of high malnutrition, especially among children.
A very effective way of reversing this situation is to engage the farmer throughout the year by embarking on a massive dry season farming and intensive livestock, poultry and aquaculture. These will increase annual output levels, increase household incomes and ensure secured access to food in the district.
. 3. Industry and Commerce
Agriculture is the chief activity in the Nandom District and as such the private sector of the economy would assert itself with the existence of an industry that is closely linked to the agricultural potentials of the District. The growth of these industries is therefore intimately linked to the development of the agricultural sector of the District. As a result, more often than not, a lot of these industries in the private economy of the District are agro-based and small in size. The size of these industries can only be explained by the lack of enough human and financial capital in the District to increase the production. Common industries in the district include flour milling, pito brewing, commercial food preparation, Shea-butter extraction, rice processing, carpentry, carving, charcoal burning, xylophone making, basket weaving, block laying, pottery, sand wining, and stone quarrying. The rest are weaving, dying and blacksmithing.
These small scaled industries serve as outlets of raw materials from the agricultural sector. In addition to this, it absorb some of the surplus labour in the District, help farm-based households to spread risks, offer more remunerative activities to supplement or replace agricultural income, offer income potential during the agricultural off-season and also provide a means to cope or survive when farming fails.
Due to this significant role played by this sector, the Nandom District boasts of some institutions that offer support and training to ensure effective output from this sector. The Nandom Vocational Institute and the St. Ann’s Vocational institute are skills training institutions in the District. These institutions have over the years supplied the man power base of the District and the region. To add to this, the Nandom Town area has an industrial village which provides quality services to the people of the town and District.
4.4. Markets
The District has three main markets located in Kuturu (Baseble), Ko and Nandom the District Capital. Two of the markets (Baseble and Ko)) are in poor conditions. Efforts are therefore required to upgrade their infrastructure.
The existing of only few markets in the district results in the low generation of revenue to traders and to the District Assembly.
Apart from the few markets, commercial activities in the district are mainly located along major arterial roads in small towns. Other commercial activities take place in corner shops and in homes. Commerce in the district largely involves the sale of provisions, fuel, electricals, electronics, clothing, construction materials, vehicle parts, agrochemicals, cosmetics, medicals, utensils, food ingredients and stationary.
4.5. Financial Services
The financial sector has been boosted by the establishment of the First Atlantic Bank at Nandom. Currently, the financial institutions now stand at two (3) namely; Nandom Rural Bank, NandomKuoribaLangtaa credit Union at Nandom and First Atlantic Bank at Nandom.
The presence of these financial facilities provides the opportunity to credible business men and farmers to enhance their saving culture and have access to credit to expand productivity.
However, access to credit has still been difficult especially due to lack of collateral by many entrepreneurs. The banks mostly engage in legal battles to retrieve credit facilities extended to the public. This inadequacy in trust in the private sector is greatly affecting its competitiveness.
4.6. Tourism
The most significant tourism potential in the Nandom District is the Kakube Festival .The rich cultural heritage of the people exhibited during this festival has the potential to bring in a lot of foreigners and investors. This can however be achieved if the festival is highly projected and celebrated with support from all stakeholders.
The proposed restoration of the Slave Centre located at Gengenkpe and Zimuopare has been selected for construction in the subsequent plan. This when completed will also boost both local and international tourism investments into the District.
The Assembly in collaboration with the church is also looking forward to maintaining the Church Stone which can also attract both local and foreign tourist into the District. The Church which prides itself as the largest stone building in West Africa and among the three Minor Basilicas in West Africa has the potential of attracting tourists including spiritual pilgrims.
Effort is also needed to upgrade and bring to standard the hospitality industry in the District to support the growth of tourism. Currently, the private led hospitality industry is doing remarkably well. Notably among the existing ones are; Yeletule Guest House and Restaurant, Emmanuel Guest House, NVS Restaurant and the Forestry Bar and Restaurant. In boasting this, the District Assembly has plans to construct a Guest house and a canteen to add up and expand the Hospitality industry.
All in all, the growth of the tourism industry in the district will to a great extent, influence the revenue prospective of the district and open up the district to foreign investors which in furtherance, will unwrap many other sectors of the district economy.