IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL CROPS, AMOUNT PRODUCED PER

YEAR, AMOUNT EXPORTED ANNUALLY AND COUNTRIES

IMPORT

KWAWU NATHANIEL

SCHOOL INDEX : 1032245672

Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao)

Cocoa, or Theobroma cacao L., is a small understorey tree that grows

natively in lowland rainforests in the Neotropics. It is a member of the
Malvaceae family. Theobroma is a genus that has 22 species divided
into 6 sections. The majority of these species are native to South
America's upper Amazon region, except T. cacao and T. grandiflorum
(cupuassu), which are extensively studied for commercial purposes.
Ghana is the world's second-largest producer of cocoa beans. The
country exports raw beans, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, and cocoa
powder to numerous countries. Cocoa is a major cash crop for Ghana
and a critical source of foreign exchange. It contributes significantly
to the country's GDP and provides income for millions of farmers and
workers involved in cocoa production and related industries. The crop
thrives in the humid tropical climate and well-drained soils of these
areas. Cocoa is typically grown under shade, often intercropped with
other crops such as cassava, maize, and plantains. Farmers in Ghana
typically employ both traditional and modern agricultural practices.
In the 2020/2021 crop year, Ghana recorded its highest ever cocoa
production of 1,047, 000 metric tons. However, since attaining this
feat, cocoa production has rather been sluggish, with the country
struggling to achieve an average of 800,000 tons of cocoa production
annually, from the total production, Ghana exports 700,000 tons of
cocoa to other countries.

Some of these countries are

Netherlands: The largest importer of Ghanaian cocoa, given its role as

a key hub for the cocoa trade and processing industry in Europe.
United States: Imports Ghanaian cocoa for its chocolate and
confectionery industries.
Germany: Another major importer, driven by its large chocolate
manufacturing sector.
France: Imports cocoa beans for both processing and chocolate
production.
Belgium: Known for its chocolate industry, Belgium imports cocoa
from Ghana for local use and re-export.
United Kingdom: A long-standing market for Ghanaian cocoa, used
for making various chocolate and cocoa-based products.
Japan: Imports cocoa for its confectionery industry, with a focus on
high-quality beans.
Switzerland: Renowned for premium chocolate, Switzerland imports
cocoa beans from Ghana.
Canada: Imports Ghanaian cocoa for its chocolate and food industries.
Malaysia: Although Malaysia is also a cocoa producer, it imports
cocoa beans from Ghana for processing and re-export.

Banana (Musa sp)

Banana is a member of Musaceae. This family includes two main

genera; Musa: This is the primary genus that includes most edible
bananas, including both dessert bananas (such as the Cavendish
variety) and plantains. Ensete: Another genus in the Musaceae family,
which includes plants like the false banana (Ensete ventricosum),
primarily grown in Ethiopia. Bananas are herbaceous plants, meaning
they don't have woody stems, but they are often referred to as trees
due to their size and structure.

Bananas thrive in warm temperatures between 26°C and 30°C (78°F

to 86°F). Growth slows down below 15°C (59°F), and frost can be
lethal to banana plants. Bananas require 1000-2500 mm of rainfall
annually, with evenly distributed rain throughout the year. Irrigation
is essential in areas with dry seasons. High humidity, around 60-90%,
is ideal for banana cultivation.

Banana production in Ghana is a significant part of the country’s

agricultural sector, though it is not as dominant as cocoa or other
crops like plantains and maize. Ghana primarily produces plantains
and dessert bananas, and its banana industry is mainly focused on
both local consumption and export.

Ghana’s banana industry is divided into smallholder farmers and

large-scale commercial plantations. Large commercial farms such as
Golden Exotics Limited (GEL), located in the Eastern Region,
dominate banana production for export. These large-scale producers
are heavily involved in the Fairtrade system and follow international
production standards. Smallholder farmers grow bananas for local
markets and typically combine banana production with other crops
like cocoa, maize, and plantains. Ghana produces approximately
85,000 to 100,000 metric tons of bananas annually, primarily for
export to the European market.

Ghana’s banana exports have grown steadily, with an export volume

of approximately 85,000 to 100,000 metric tons annually. The country
is considered one of the leading banana exporters from West Africa,
after countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon.
Ghana has developed a significant banana export industry,
particularly targeting the European Union (EU) market. Major
destinations include Belgium, the United Kingdom, and France.

Maize
It belongs to the Poaceae family, also known as the Gramineae
family. This family is commonly referred to as the grass family and
includes other important cereal crops such as wheat, rice, barley, and
sorghum.
Maize is a warm-season crop and requires temperatures between 18°C
and 32°C for optimal growth. Germination occurs best at 10°C to
12°C, while temperatures above 35°C can harm plant growth and
development. Maize requires an annual rainfall of around 500-800
mm during the growing season.
Maize accounts for about 50-60% of cereal production in Ghana,
making it the most important cereal crop in the country. It is a staple
food consumed in various forms, including boiled maize, kenkey,
banku, and porridge. Maize is also essential for the livestock and
poultry industries as a key component of animal feed.
Ghana produces approximately 2 to 3 million metric tons of maize
annually. Maize is a staple food crop in Ghana, playing a crucial role
in both local consumption and agricultural income for farmers. Ghana
typically exports between 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons of maize
annually. Key export markets for Ghanaian maize include countries
like Togo, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria

Yam

Yam belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. The genus Dioscorea

encompasses various species of yam, which are cultivated for their
edible tubers. There are several types of yams, including: White yam
(Dioscorea rotundata), Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis),Water
yam (Dioscorea alata). These yams are important staple foods in
many tropical regions, including West Africa, where they play a
significant role in local diets and economies.

Yams thrive in warm climates, with optimal temperatures ranging

from 20°C to 30°C. They require an annual rainfall of 1,000 to 2,000
mm. Adequate moisture is essential, particularly during the growing
season. The growing season typically lasts between 6 to 12 months,
depending on the variety and local climatic conditions.Yams prefer
well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter.
Heavy clay soils can hinder tuber development. The ideal pH for yam
cultivation is between 5.5 and 6.5. Soils that are too acidic may
require lime application.

Ghana produces approximately 2 million metric tons of yams

annually. This makes the country one of the leading producers of yam
globally, with significant cultivation in regions such as the Volta
Region, Brong-Ahafo Region, Eastern Region, and Ashanti Region.

Ghana exports approximately 200,000 to 300,000 metric tons of yam

annually. The main export markets include countries in West Africa,
as well as destinations in Europe and North America, where there is a
growing demand for yam, particularly among the diaspora
communities.

Oil palm
The oil palm belongs to the Arecaceae family, commonly known as
the palm family. The scientific name for the oil palm is Elaeis
guineensis. This family includes various species of palms, and oil
palm is specifically cultivated for its oil, which is extracted from the
fruit and the seeds. The oil palm is a significant agricultural crop,
particularly in tropical regions, due to its high yield of oil per hectare
compared to other oil-producing crops.

Oil palm thrives in warm tropical climates, with optimal temperatures

ranging from 24°C to 32°C. It requires high annual rainfall of 1,500 to
3,500 mm, distributed evenly throughout the year. However, it can
tolerate short dry spells. Sandy loam and clay loam soils are ideal.
The preferred pH range is between 4.0 and 6.5. Soils that are too
acidic may require liming to improve pH levels.

Ghana produces approximately 400,000 to 600,000 metric tons of

palm oil annually. Ghana exports approximately 30,000 to 50,000
metric tons of palm oil annually. These are some of the countries
Ghana exports to

Nigeria: A significant market for Ghanaian palm oil, as Nigeria is one

of the largest consumers of palm oil in the region.
Togo: Often imports palm oil for local consumption.

Burkina Faso: Another neighboring country that imports Ghanaian

palm oil.

Benin: Imports palm oil to meet domestic demand.

Netherlands: One of the largest importers of palm oil globally, often
for use in food products and biodiesel.

Germany: Imports palm oil for various food and industrial

applications.

United Kingdom: Imports palm oil for food production and as an

ingredient in various consumer goods.