Integrating Biochar with Solar Drip Irrigation Technology for Smallholder Vegetable Farming in South-eastern Ghana Yields Profitable Returns
Isaac Baidoo *
Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P.O. Box LG 80 Kwabenya, Accra, Ghana.
Kingsley Odum Sam
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Accra, Ghana.
Mawumefa Akusika Diaba
Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana.
Edward Christian Brown-Appiah
Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana.
Yaa Pokuaa Akomea
Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana.
Amy Eshun Atiwoto
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness University of Ghana (UG) P.O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
Daniel B. Sarpong
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness University of Ghana (UG) P.O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
Simon Bolwig
UNEP DTU Partnership DTU Management, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Anker Engelunds Vej 1 Bygning 101A, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ghana's agricultural sector faces significant challenges, characterized by low productivity and a heavy reliance on unpredictable rainfall and outdated farming practices, with limited use of modern agricultural inputs. This research investigates the potential profitability of integrating biochar and solar drip irrigation technologies for smallholder vegetable farming in Ghana, a country with sub-Saharan African agricultural conditions. The study employs gross margin and net farm income approaches to estimate profitability, providing a robust financial analysis of the proposed agricultural innovations. The results reveal a substantial mean gross margin of GHȼ35,021.25 and a net farm income of GHȼ48,786.50 per ha across the study area during the dry season from 2017-2020. These findings underscore the economic viability of biochar and solar drip irrigation, demonstrating significant financial benefits for smallholder farmers. The study concludes that adopting these technologies can markedly enhance agricultural productivity and profitability. It is recommended that smallholder farmers adopt biochar and solar drip irrigation to improve their farming outcomes, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development in the region.
Keywords: Biochar, solar, irrigation, technology, smallholder, vegetable, farming, profitable