Economic analysis of seed yam production in aeroponics system. Implications on employment and food security in Ghana

Abstract

<jats:p>The supply of seed yams for intensive yam production is hindered by many constraints, including diseases and pest infestations as well as the unavailability of quality planting material. The combination of tissue culture and aeroponics system is perceived to be the way towards clean and adequate supply of seed yam for enhanced yam production. However, the system is considered as expensive for any individual to implement. In order to encourage private sector to participate in this venture, the economic analysis determining the feasibility and viability of using aeroponics in seed yam production was performed. Using data from established tissue culture and aeroponics system in Ghana, the fixed cost and variable cost parameters as well as production costs were obtained. Results revealed that total cost of building aeroponics structure amounted to GH₵ 94,178.00 (USD 17,938.70). Annual cost of aeroponics structure was GH₵ 9,417.82 (USD 1,793.87). Annual total cost of production totalled GH₵ 204,391.75 (USD 38,931.61). Annual net revenue was GH₵ 75,888.00 (USD 14,454.86). Payback period was 15 months and benefit cost ratio was 1.4. Aeroponics system for seed yam production is therefore profitable since short period would be needed to recoup investment. For food security and creation of workplaces, government could partner with the private sector in the establishment of aeroponics systems to increase yam production and export.</jats:p>

The role of plant health in the sustainable production of seed yams in Nigeria: A challenging nexus between plant health, human food security, and culture

“…While aeroponic systems may not be suitable for individual farmers to adopt, they may be attractive for seed companies who could then sell the seed yams to farmers following a process of certification (Mignouna et al, 2020). Much depends, of course, on the premium that farmers are willing to pay for clean seed yams derived via aeroponics vis-à-vis other options they may have such as the use of AYMT (Acheampong et al, 2020). The few published economic analyses of aeroponics for seed yam production are encouraging (Acheampong et al, 2020) but time will tell.…”

“…Much depends, of course, on the premium that farmers are willing to pay for clean seed yams derived via aeroponics vis-à-vis other options they may have such as the use of AYMT (Acheampong et al, 2020). The few published economic analyses of aeroponics for seed yam production are encouraging (Acheampong et al, 2020) but time will tell.…”