Africa-Press – Ghana. <\/strong><\/span>Across the vast farming communities of the Oti Region, yam cultivation is more than just an agricultural activity.<\/b><\/p>\nIt is notable as the backbone of economic survival for thousands of families. Districts such as Nkwanta South, Nkwanta North, Krachi West and Krachi Nchumuru consistently produce large volumes of yam, earning the region its reputation as Ghana\u2019s \u201cyam basket.\u201d<\/p>\n
Markets That Drive Trade<\/p>\n
At the centre of this thriving trade are the Dambai, Kpassa, Nkwanta and Banda markets. Buyers and traders from across the country converge during harvest seasons to purchase yam in bulk for distribution to urban centres. The yam business has become a major economic driver, creating jobs for farmers, transport operators, labourers, traders, and food vendors.<\/p>\n
Roads That Threaten Livelihoods<\/p>\n
Despite impressive production, poor feeder roads remain a major challenge. Farmers in Krachi Nchumuru and Krachi East lament that transporting yam from farms to markets is costly and unreliable, especially during the rainy season. \u201cOur road network needs urgent rehabilitation. Sometimes the yams rot before reaching the market,\u201d said Mr Yaw Joseph, a farmer at Zongo-Macheri.<\/p>\n
Motorcycles, often the main means of transport, suffer frequent breakdowns on rough roads, increasing costs and reducing profits. Farmers like Mr Tia Moses of Kparekpare say transportation expenses now consume a large share of their earnings.<\/p>\n
Production Figures That Impress<\/p>\n
According to Oti Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr O\u2019Brien Nyarko, provisional figures for 2024 show the region produced 873,215 metric tons of yam. Nkwanta South led with 260,291 metric tons, followed by Nkwanta North with 223,844 metric tons. Krachi West produced 210,065 metric tons, while Krachi Nchumuru recorded 105,729 metric tons.<\/p>\n
These figures confirm Oti\u2019s dominance in yam cultivation, supporting commercial activity in major markets and contributing significantly to national food security.<\/p>\n
Market Infrastructure Needs<\/p>\n
While production is strong, market facilities lag behind. Bulk buyer Mr John Tindo, who transports yam from Dambai to Sunyani and Bono Region markets, appealed for modern sheds and storage facilities. \u201cThousands of tubers are exposed to sun and rain, which affects quality and value. A well-planned market infrastructure would preserve produce and improve trading conditions,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Traders like Madam Sophia Abena Forwaa also stressed that poor roads and rising fuel costs prolong travel times and damage produce. \u201cBy the time we reach the market, some yams are bruised or spoiled, forcing us to sell at lower prices,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Revenue and Economic Impact<\/p>\n
The Dambai market generates substantial revenue for the Municipal Assembly, particularly between July and September, when early-maturing varieties such as \u201cKpena\u201d and \u201cLabakor\u201d dominate sales. Deputy Coordinating Director Mr Yaw Kanjo noted that the Assembly earns between GHS3,000 and GHS4,000 weekly during off-season, rising to over GHS5,000 at peak.<\/p>\n
Call for Action<\/p>\n
Stakeholders believe that investing in feeder roads and market infrastructure would reduce post-harvest losses, lower transportation costs, and strengthen Oti\u2019s position as Ghana\u2019s yam basket. Farmers and traders are appealing to the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, the Department of Feeder Roads, and district assemblies to prioritise rehabilitation projects.<\/p>\n
Such interventions, they argue, would not only support agricultural production but also stimulate economic growth, create employment, and reinforce food distribution networks nationwide.<\/p>\n
Source: Ghana News Agency<\/b><\/p>\n
For More News And Analysis About Ghana<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Yam Basket of Ghana Africa-Press – Ghana. Across the vast farming communities of the Oti Region, yam cultivation is more than just an agricultural activity. It is notable as the backbone of economic survival for thousands of families. Districts such as Nkwanta South, Nkwanta North, Krachi West and Krachi Nchumuru consistently produce large volumes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":117892,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[429],"class_list":["post-117893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-files","tag-ghana"],"yoast_head":"\n
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