FOOD SECURITY

This measures the availability and sustainability of food resources to satisfy a given population at any point in time. Various steps undertaken by farmers to ensure food security are outline below.

Food production

In 2015, rains ended in November but following a drought during the tasseling and cobing stages- which affected yields especially the cereals in the minor season. Apart from some few reported cases of stem-borers. The farming seasons were devoid of any major pest attacks

Table 7 - District Production Figures

 
Source: DAD, Pru West District, 2017

Figure: Trend of crop yield for 2014 to 2015

It is realized from the crop graph that there is increase in all the yields due to the good nature of rainfall during the year. If this persists for long, food security will be assured.

Livestock and Poultry production The contribution of livestock to sustainability of food security in any place is enormous and indispensable. The district undertook livestock census in the course of the year to ascertain the performance of the sector to agric industry. Table 2.28 gives clear picture of the statistics.

Table 8 - Records on Livestock and Poultry Production

Source: DAD, 2017

Growing of livestock and poultry continues to grow in the district. This has remarkable effect on food security and sustainability. However farmers involved in this sector faces challenges like improper housing facilities for animals and the need to timely vaccine the animals against diseases. Hence efforts need to be taken to address these issues in order to boost production.

Extension Services Delivery

There is no any other medium of information delivery besides that of the AEA during home and farm visits. Radio discussion programmes on key agricultural issues on air has been cancelled due to the lack of sponsorship. The district has a total of eleven (11) extension service officers. This number is below the required extension officer (20) in the District

Agric Extension Workers in the District

Development Issues

1. Poor access roads

2. Inadequate extension officers

3. Improper housing facilities for livestock

4. Unwillingness of farmers in adopting new technology

5. Lack of efficient market system

6. Lack of coordination in the value chain