Plant Resources of Tropical Africa

For 15 years, Kwaku Duah has been growing tomatoes the way he knew best, the traditional way. As a pioneer tomato farmer in Kokoben area, Foase District of Ashanti Region, Ghana, the 35 year old, had believed in his traditional practice but has now become an inspiration and trainer of many aspiring vegetable farmers in the area.

Despite their dedication, Duah and his fellow farmers in the region were not reaping the best from tomato farming due to poor agronomic practices – partly due to lack of knowledge - as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Crop Research Institute of Ghana found out. Many lacked the technical knowledge of nursery management, crop husbandry, pest and disease management and harvesting and post harvest handling techniques.

Kwaku Duah, a tomato farmer from Kokoben shows us his tomato farm

Concerned about the plight of the farmers, the Institute initiated a project to train farmers on improved tomato farming techniques as a means of boosting productivity and incomes from tomato farming. Officers from the Institute needed reliable information to conduct effective training.

After careful and intense scrutiny of available literature on tomatoes, the trainers settled on the PROTA Handbook on Vegetables (PROTA 2) as one of the key resources for the training. Information from the handbook was used in developing training materials,by CSIR-Crop Research Institute officers.

The outcome of the training has been outstanding. Farmers have now acquired new knowledge on tomato production. Indeed, courtesy of the training – and information from the PROTA Handbook on Vegetables – there is renewed hope for better livelihoods from the increase in yields and incomes.

“I learnt new nursery techniques which I have already implemented on my farm,” states Duah. “Previously, I just spread the tomato seeds on a bed I had made and later transplanted the healthy ones onto my farm. Now I nurse my seeds in carefully made holes and in lines on the nursery beds.”

On improved disease and pest control Duah notes, “Previously I always had to deal with fungal infections even before transplanting the seedlings. For instance I lost an entire farm to disease during last year’s cropping season in August, but this time it was better.”

Kwame Boateng, another beneficiary of the training and PROTA information adds, “I have learnt new and improved nursery techniques. At first, I just broadcasted my tomato seeds on a bed I had prepared and waited till they are ready for transplanting. Now, I have learnt how to generate seedlings in lines by sowing one seed per hole.”

Boateng is bubbling with high expectations. “After I tried the new method, I realized that the crops grew faster, had larger shoots, broader leaves and looked healthier. Because the seedlings do not get overcrowded on the nursery beds, the seedlings have more access to sunlight, air and plant nutrients. This also helps in preventing mould and fungal infections. I am so happy I joined the training. My farm is a delight to see.”

Officers from the institute believe the information and training will go beyond just increased yields for the area farmers. Lessons and experiences from Kokoben are likely to be replicated or used to advocate for conservation and preservation of genetic diversity, influencing policy development, enhanced productivity and best use of plant resources for additional income, food security, health and nutrition in other parts of Africa.