African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 186-192, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Climate change and changing food security risk in Ghana

Dinko Hanaan Dinko

Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana. 

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 17 March, 2017

Abstract

Agriculture is the most climate-dependent area of human life. In Sub-Saharan Africa, susceptibility to food insecurity is shaped by multiple stresses climate change. This article reviews literature on impacts of climate change on food security in Ghana. The paper reveals how climate change impacts and can potentially impact on the different shades of food security. It observes that food insecurity risk is amplified by existing spatial inequalities. The paper finds that farmers’ decisions to adapt by changing crops could compel cultures to abandon their traditional foods which were used for certain rites and feasts. Revealing such intricate interconnections provides a framework that can shape policy measures in effective adaptation and resilience. Proactive approaches will undoubtedly prepare communities more thoroughly for the changes to come. Any adaptation strategy should take into consideration the knowledge of local residents and farmers and elicit a grassroots approach instead of a top-down approach.

Keywords: Climate change, risk, food security, Ghana.

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 5 (2), pp. 176-185, February, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessing food security in selected Mediterranean countries

Laura Solaroli

UMR – MOISA, INRA – Sup Agro 2, Place Pierre Viala, 34000 Montpellier.

E-mail : [email protected], [email protected], Tel. 0033 782927711.

Accepted 17 February, 2017

Abstract

The significant increase in world food prices that occurred in 2007-2008 and 2010-2011 had a serious impact on vulnerable populations. The social revolts that erupted in countries in the south of the Mediterranean led to political instability. Soaring prices were considered to be one of the causes of the so-called “Arab Spring”. Food security issues are extremely important in Mediterranean countries (MCs), which are facing complex economic and political changes (CIHEAM, 2012). Assessing food security conditions is a challenging task because of the multidimensional nature and complexity of the issues involved (Maxwell, 1996). The concept of vulnerability, which has been developed in the scientific literature along with food security, is explained in this paper section. The research objective is to analyse the different dimensions of food security and highlight the economic issues that determine food security conditions in Mediterranean countries. Subsequently, the aim is to identify appropriate theoretical concepts and methodological tools that can be used to assess food security in a given country (or region), with particular emphasis on the economic dimension.

Keywords: Food Security, Indicators, Vulnerability, Principal Component Analysis, Mediterranean countries.

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 167-175, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Using a multinomial approach to assess vulnerability of rural households to food price shocks in Cape West Coast, South Africa

¹Ephias M. Makaudze*, ²Christian Haussner and ³Tobias Takavarasha

¹9 Broodboom Street, Rouxville, Kuilsriver 7580, Cape Town, South Africa,

²Development Alternatives Inc.; Thamesfield House, Boundary Way, Hertfordshire, HP2 7SR, United Kingdom,

³Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); P.O. Box 13782, Pretoria, South Africa.

Email: [email protected]

Received 21 October, 2016; Revised 27 November, 2016; Accepted 01 December, 2016 and Published 26 January, 2017

Abstract

This paper draws on the experience of food price shocks (among other factors) that rocked South Africa during the global financial crisis (2007-08). A post-shock assessment of this nature is insightful given the recurring economic shocks that frequently affect South Africa. The paper is based on a survey of 640 rural households sampled in three municipal districts of Matzikama, Cederberg and Bergriver, in Cape West Coast. A multinomial approach is used to estimate the probability scores underlying vulnerability of different types of rural households to a set of identified economic shocks, including food price hikes. Results show farm-workers/labourers and non-land-reform farmers being the most vulnerable livelihood categories as implied by high probability scores relative to other types. Their vulnerability condition is worsened as a majority of the affected households lack credible mechanisms to cope with the recurring shocks. The paper concludes presenting an array of policy suggestions considered vital for dealing with food price shocks especially during period of inflationary crisis. Key amongst these include, the need to implement regular monitoring and evaluation systems for effective support of the most vulnerable households during turbulent periods and improving databases and registers at district and provincial level.   

Keywords: Food price hikes, economic shocks, vulnerability, rural livelihoods, multinomial, post-shock assessment. 

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 4 (3), pp. 157-160, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Phenotypic and genotypic association between maturity and yield traits in maize hybrids (ZEA MAYS L.)

¹Nawaz Hussain, ²Haider Bhutto Rehman  and ³Khan Faizal

^1,2,3Biotechnology Centre, Agriculture Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan

*Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Accepted 09 October, 2015

Abstract

Ten maize hybrids were evaluated at Agriculture Research Institute, Tarnab Farm, Peshawar with the aim to estimate variation among maize hybrids during spring season 2010. Randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used for hybrids evaluation. Data were recorded on days to 50% pollen shedding, days to 50% silking, anthesis-silking interval, plant height, ear height, number of cobs ha^-1 and grain yield. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the maize hybrids for above mentioned traits. Maize hybrid population 2006 × (WD-3×6) took minimum days to pollen shedding (85.0 days) and silking (86.0 days) with desirable anthesis-silking interval of 1.0 day. The same hybrid was also short statured (155.5 cm plant height) with the desirable ear height of 75.0 cm. However, the maximum grain yield of 9.3 t ha^-1 was produced by maize hybrid Guard BC followed by Pioneer hybrid (8.8t ha^-1) and NT-6621 (8.7 t ha^-1). Days to pollen shedding exhibited significantly positive genotypic correlation with days to silking (rG = 0.97, P = 0.01), and anthesis-silking interval (rG = 0.82, P = 0.01). Days to pollen shedding showed significantly positive phenotypic correlation with days to silking (rp = 0.92, P = 0.01), ASI (rp = 0.61, P = 0.01) and plant height (rp = 0.36, P = 0.05). Days to silking exhibited significantly positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with anthesis-silking interval (rG = 0.94, P = 0.01 and (rp = 0.87, P = 0.01), Days to silking showed significantly positive phenotypic correlation with plant height (rp = 0.37, P = 0.05). Plant height exhibited significantly positive genotypic correlation with ear height (rG = 0.96, P = 0.01). Further evaluation at several locations of the province both in spring and kharif seasons is needed to identify desirable hybrids with specific adaptation.

Keywords: ASI (anthesis-silking interval), rp (phenotypic correlation), rG (genotypic correlation), grain yield, maize hybrids.

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 4 (3), pp. 161-166, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Optimal resource allocation decision among women farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana

Kwaku Dei ANTWI

Texas Tech University, Lubbock-Texas, United States.E-mail:[email protected]; [email protected]. Tel. +18067309167.

Accepted 04 February, 2016

Abstract

Food insecurity has been found to be high among households headed by female farmers in the northern region of Ghana as a result of poor access to agricultural resources.  One approach to improve food insecurity is through increased on-farm income of women farmers through profit maximization. Hence this study was designed to determine the optimal farm plan that increases on-farm income among women farmers to ensure improved food security. A sample of 512 women farmers were randomly selected using simple random sampling technique for the study.  Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and linear programming model.  The study revealed that available resources were not efficiently allocated under the existing farm plan which led to over-allocation of capital and labor by 9.6% and 13% respectively.  The study further showed a 13.6% increase in on-farm income by the optimal farm plan.  Policy makers should develop and implement policies that emphasize and encourage optimal allocation of the limited resources available to women farmer to increase their income levels for improved food security.

Key words: Food security, Linear programming, women farmers, optimal plan.

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 4 (2), pp. 153-156, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Perspective

The global agriculture and food security program: An evaluation of the Public Private Partnership in Malawi

Madhavi Venkatesan, PhD

Department of Economics, Hunt Hall, Room 206Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 02325, USA. [email protected]

917-496-0440 (cell); 508-531-1716 (office).

Accepted 20 December, 2015

Abstract 

Chronic food security issues in Africa have recently spurred an increase in public–private partnerships (PPPs), as governments across the continent look to stimulate agricultural productivity. Through multiple international channels, PPPs are implementing various programs within the agricultural sector as a means to promote both nutrition and food security. However, there are some constraints that may impede the success of PPP in the near-term such as inadequate legal and regulatory framework for PPPs; lack of technical skills to manage PPP programs and projects; unfavorable investor perception of country risk, small market size, limited infrastructure and limited financial markets. Additionally, the success of agricultural public–private partnerships are yet to be proven and concerns exist among global philanthropic organizations, who are wary of the potential for investments to meet their objective in lieu of returns to investors. This paper will explore one initiative, the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), specific to its objective “to improve incomes and food and nutrition security in low-income countries by boosting agricultural productivity” (“About GASFP,” n.d.). Following an overview of the organization, the paper will discuss the short-comings and issues related to the implementation of GAFSP’s directive using a single country example, Malawi and will then conclude with a summary recommendation related to the GAFSP program execution. The paper will provide a basis for a reevaluation of GAFSP’s alignment between objectives and implementation.

Key words: Food security, Private-public funding, global hunger, Malawi.