Estimation and Efficient Utilization of Straw Resources in Ghana

Abstract

The significance of this research is on maize, rice, sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybeans and cowpea straw for stronger sustainability in Ghana’s economic development. Quantifying and re-use of crop straw resources in Ghana is still at the infancy stage hampering the efficient recycling of these resources in a sustainable manner. Sustainability is straw as a renewable resource to improve soils, livestock production, generate renewable energy and reduce pollution for development. The aim of this research was to estimate the crop straw yield from 2006 to 2016 and identify the various utilization modes for major cereals and legumes in Ghana. In addition the distribution of maize, rice, sorghum and cowpea straw across major producing regions was calculated. Results obtained showed that 77,404,709.75 tonnes of cereals and legumes straw were produced in Ghana from 2006 to 2016. Cereal straw recorded a 72.3% yield whilst legume straw recorded 26.8%. Maize and groundnut straw recorded the highest yield of 37,323,264.16 and 12,495,288.96 tonnes respectively. Brong Ahafo region of Ghana had the highest maize straw yield with the Northern region recording readily availability of both cereals and legumes straw resources. The major re-use methods of straw in Ghana are as livestock feed, fertilizer, cooking fuel, for sale and as a substrate for mushroom production. We recommend strategies the government can adapt to develop policies geared towards the accurate recording of straw and their comprehensive utilization in Ghana. The efficient utilization of straw resources will reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, serve as feed for livestock, reduce pollution, generate biofuels plus generate employment to benefit the rural economy.