DEDICATION

This thesis is dedicated to the Ninson family for the wonderful support offered to me in my
entire education.

DECLARATION
I, Daniel Ninson the author of this dissertation, do hereby declare that the work presented in
this dissertation: ANALYSIS OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION IN THE AKWAPIM
SOUTH MUNICIPAL AREA was done entirely by me in the Department of Agricultural
Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of
Ghana, Legon from August, 2011 to June, 2012.

This work has never been presented either in whole or in part for any other degree of this
University or elsewhere.

DANIEL NINSON
(Student)

This dissertation has been submitted for examination with my approval as supervisor.

.
DR. EDWARD EBO ONUMAH
(Supervisor)

II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Lord God almighty deserves the biggest appreciation as far as this thesis is concerned. I
am therefore grateful to Him for the life, wisdom and strength He gave me to accomplish this
work.
This dissertation would not have been a success without the immense contribution from my
supervisor; Dr. Edward Ebo Onumah. I sincerely, respectfully and honourably express my
profound gratitude to him, for such wonderful guidance offered to me throughout the entire
period of this work. I say may the good Lord bless you. My next thanks go to the senior
members of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness for organizing such
wonderful presentation seminar where I had the opportunity to defend my thesis. I am really
grateful for the contribution you made towards this successful thesis.
I again want to say thank you to all the respondents in the Akwapim South Municipal area
who spent their precious time in giving me all the necessary information I needed from them.
I am really grateful to them.
Last but not the least, my sincere thanks goes to all who played some role in one way or the
other, but whose names have not been mentioned. May the good Lord bless you all.

III

ABSTRACT

Pineapple is a native to Central and South America, and the varieties include Cayenne,
Queen, Sugarloaf, Pernambuco, Variegated, Baby, Red Spanish and MD2.The export of
pineapples from Ghana has declined by almost 60% over the last five years. Small scale
producers who account for about half of the export volumes are being completely wiped out.
Production in the Akwapim South municipal area keeps on decreasing and this is a
contributing factor to the national decline. The studies therefore sort to analyse pineapple
production in the Akwapim South municipal area using the Cobb- Douglas production
function and Gross margin analysis. Primary data was collected from farmers with structured
questionnaires and the sample size was 50.The results show that farm size, number of suckers
used and depreciation cost significantly and positively affected output of pineapple. Labour
affected output negatively, whilst quantity of fertilizer also affected output positively but was
not significant. The study revealed that pineapple farming in the area exhibit constant returns
to scale. The Gross margin analysis also revealed that the mean gross margin per hectare was
GH11008.4157.The major constraints facing the respondents in the study area were
identified to be lack of reliable market, high cost of farm inputs and inadequate credit for
production.
The study therefore concludes that pineapple farming is quite profitable and farmers should
be encouraged to continue farming. Production in the area exhibits constant returns to scale
with elasticity of one; meaning one percent change in all inputs equals to one percent change
in output. Farmers will be better off if they farm on their current scales. Government should
therefore set up an efficient regulatory body of the pineapple market to offer some
appreciable level of protection to the farmers.

IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................................. I
DECLARATION ......................................................................................................................................... II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................................ III
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................................... IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................... V
LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................................... VII
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... VIII
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 BACKGROUND TO RESEARCH........................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT .................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY .................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 MOTIVATION OF STUDY ................................................................................................................ 4
1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................................... 5
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 6
2.21 PRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 6
2.22 FACTORS INFLUENCING PRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 7
2.23 CATEGORIES OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCERS IN GHANA .................................................................. 8
2.24 METHOD OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION IN GHANA ..................................................................... 9
2.3 PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................ 10
2.31 GROSS MARGIN......................................................................................................................... 10
2.4 CONSTRAINT ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................... 12
3.0 METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................................. 14
3.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................... 14
3.3 HYPOTHESIS TESTING .................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 THE STUDY AREA ......................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION ................................................................................................. 18
4. 0 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................. 19
4.1. SOCIO- ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMERS................................................................. 19

4.11 GENDER OF FARMERS ............................................................................................................... 19

4.12 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND .................................................................................................. 19
4.13 HOUSEHOLD SIZE ...................................................................................................................... 20
4.14 OCCUPATIONAL STATUS ........................................................................................................... 20
4.15 LAND OWNERSHIP .................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF VARIABLES .................................................................................... 21
4.21. PRODUCTION FUNCTION ESTIMATES ...................................................................................... 22
4.3 PROFITABILITY OF THE PINEAPPLE ENTERPRISE ......................................................................... 26
4.4 PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS .................................................................................... 28
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................... 32
5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 32
5.2 SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS ................................................................................................ 32
5.3 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................... 32
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................. 33
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 34
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................................. 37

VI

LIST OF TABLES
3.1 DESCRIPTION OF REGRESSION VARIABLES .......................................................... 15
4.1 GENDER DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ........................................................... 19
4.3 PINEAPPLE FARMING AS A MAJOR OR NON MAJOR OCCUPATION ................. 21
4.4 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF VARIABLES .............................................................. 22
4.5 ESTIMATES FOR THE PRODUCTION FUNCTION .................................................... 22
4.6 RESULTS OF LIKELIHOOD RATIO TEST ................................................................... 24
4.7 RESULTS OF THE F-TEST ............................................................................................. 25
4.8 RESULTS OF THE T- TEST ............................................................................................ 25
4.9 GROSS MARGIN, GROSS INCOME AND TOTAL VARIABLE COST ..................... 26
4.10 CONSTRAINTS FACED BY PINEAPPLE FARMERS ............................................... 28

VII

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

EU

European Union

EUREP- GAP

European Good Agricultural Practice

GEPC

Ghana Export Promotion Council

GLOBALGAP

Global Good Agricultural Practice

GDP

Gross Domestic Product

GM

Gross Margin

MOFA

Ministry of Food and Agriculture

NGO

Non Governmental Organization

OLS

Ordinary Least Square

TR

Total Revenue

TVC

Total Variable Cost

VIII

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO RESEARCH
Pineapple is a native to Central and South America, and the varieties include Cayenne,
Queen, Sugarloaf, Pernambuco, Variegated, Baby, Red Spanish and the new variety MD2.
Between 1990 and 2004, pineapple exports in Ghana grew from virtual inexistence to 68000
tons becoming Ghanas first horticulture export product (Danielou and Rawry, 2005), making
a great contribution to the overall GDP of the country. The pineapple industry saw some
growth after the implementation of the Economic recovery program in 1983 when the nation
began looking at the export of other crops apart from the usual traditional export crops.
The success story of the pineapple industry over the years was the fact that it had a
demanding market. The major market target was the European Union. The national policy
with respect to pineapple export also accounted for such a success. The pineapple industry
grew from strength to strength until the taste of the major consumers (European Union)
shifted to the MD2 variety. The nation at that time specialized in the production and export of
the Smooth Cayenne variety until the MD2 began dominating on the international market.
Jaegar (2008) explains that the last five years had been quiet difficult for the Ghanaian
pineapple industry since the European Union no more preferred the traditional Smooth
Cayenne. Also the requirement for EUREP GAP certification has also become widespread.
Costa Rica now has the largest market share of the EU market with the likes of Cote DIvoire
and Brazil also doing very well. Farmers are now offered the MD2 planting material at a
subsidized price. The disbursement of the MD2 variety was through the horticultural exports
industry initiative programme which was heavily supported by the World Bank between 2004
and 2007.

However the cultivation of the MD2 variety is perceived by the farmers to be quite expensive
in terms of management cost or production cost. Fruit processing companies complain about
the inadequate supply of pineapple fruits to feed their processing plants. The introduction of
the EUREP-GAP and GLOBALGAP certification has also accounted for the recent problems
of the Ghanaian pineapple export industry. Most producers and exporters cannot bear the cost
involved in the certification of their pineapple produce according to the EUREP-GAP and
GLOBALGAP standards. Their pineapple products are therefore rejected on the EU market
for reasons of below standard.
The fruit is mostly consumed fresh by many people and this is source of vitamins and other
mineral elements. In Ghana the fruit is mostly grown in parts of Greater Accra, Volta, Central
and Eastern regions. The Akwapim South municipal is well noted for high production of
Ghanaian pineapple due to its climatic conditions and the fact that the area is closer to the
airport and harbour. Production of pineapple is dominated by both smallholders and large
scale farms which include Campagnie fruitiere, Blue Skies, Pinora and Farmapine. Farmapine
was set up by the World Bank but it is now a defunct company. The large scale plantations
offer contract farming to small scale farmers or out growers. Ghanas pineapple production is
estimated between 120000 150000 tons annually (Kleemann, 2011). Currently both organic
and conventional productions of pineapples are practised by the farmers.
Both the organic and conventional pineapple production takes between 12 -18 months from
planting to harvest. The variety types normally grown are Sugarloaf, Smooth Cayenne and
now the new variety MD2. Suckers are what the farmers use in cultivation and this is usually
treated to avoid pest and disease incidence. With the organic type of production, plant and
animal manure are used as source of fertilizer but the conventional type of production heavily
depends on artificially manufactured fertilizer. Farm land is also a major factor in production.

The farmers use various means to acquire land and this can be through inheritance, lease or
any other means. Both hired and family labours are employed. Other inputs mainly used by
farmers are drums, protective clothing, knapsack sprayer and cutlass. Harvesting takes place
all year round. Pineapple is an offseason fruit on the EU market with peak seasons for exports
from October to December and from February to April/ May and low exports and low prices
in the rest of the year (Kleeman, 2011).

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The export of pineapples from Ghana has declined by almost 60% over the last five years and
small scale producers who account for about half of the export volumes are being completely
wiped out (GEPC, 2010). Ghanas pineapple output depends heavily on small scale
producers. The recent shift of the European preference towards the MD2 variety and the
EUREPGAP specification has heavily accounted for the fall in total national output. The
EUREPGAP and GLOBAGAP certification of pineapple farms has also accounted for such a
fall since small holder farmers especially cannot bear the certification cost. However, several
efforts have been made on the part of government with massive support from foreign donors
to help farmers improve upon their production methods but the fact still remains that a lot
needs to be done since the problem has not fully been addressed.
Production in the Akwapim South municipal keeps on decreasing and this is a contributing
factor to the national decline. A lot of issues are contributing to the fall in the pineapple
output. Farmers are constrained by lack of reliable market, inadequate credit for production,
incidence of pest and diseases, lack of storage facilities among others. Kleeman (2011) also
argues that production of conventional (non-organic) pineapple is mostly dominated by big
transnational companies that own large-scale plantations.

As a consequence it is difficult for small scale farmers to participate profitably in the market.
The factors affecting pineapple production leave as with a lot of uncertainties which this
research seeks to unravel.
It is therefore in the light of these that we ask the following questions:
1. What are the factors that affect pineapple production in the area of study?
2. How profitable is the enterprise?
3. What are the constraints facing pineapple farmers in the area?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main objective of this study is to analyse pineapple production in the Akwapim South
municipal area. Specifically the study seeks to;
1. Identify the factors that influence the production of pineapple.
2. Analyse cost and revenue to measure the profitability of the pineapple enterprise.
3. Identify and rank the constraints in pineapple production.

1.4 MOTIVATION OF STUDY

The pineapple industry has the potential to rise and so are its investors who also stand to gain
a lot. In terms of both comparative and competitive advantage, the Akwapim South
Municipal area is ahead of its neighbouring communities. The soil and climatic conditions are
very suitable for pineapple production. The justifications for this study are as follows;
The research will provide information on the level of attractiveness of the pineapple
enterprise for potential investors. Prospective investors or farmers who have the intention to
go into pineapple production will know how profitable the enterprise is in other for them to
make good decision as to whether to venture into the pineapple industry or not.
4

The research will give an understanding of the evolving opportunities and constraints in
pineapple production. Like has been indicated above the pineapple industry is with a lot of
opportunities. Understanding of these opportunities is also good for better decision making as
far as pineapple production is concerned.
The study seeks to provide information for further research. It will therefore provide the basis
for further extensive research to be carried out in pineapple production. The research will also
add onto the body of knowledge which already exist.

1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

The study basically is organized into five chapters. Following chapter one is chapter two
which provides precise review of literature that are of relevance to this study. Literature is
reviewed on production, profitability and constraint analysis. Chapter three deals with the
methodology used in the study and hypothesis tests have also been presented under this
chapter. Chapter four brings out the logical reasoning for the results of the study as well as
the analysis. The last chapter also deals with conclusions and recommendations by
summarising the findings and indicates the policy implications.

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents discussions on pineapple production, profitability analysis and
constraints analysis. In view of the fact that research work such as this are not too many, the
production analysis of other fruits have also been taken into consideration. Some of the
available literatures of great importance to this work are therefore presented here.
2.2 PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION
2.21 PRODUCTION
Production in economics generally refers to the transformation of inputs into outputs, Dutta
(2006). The inputs are basically the raw materials or any other resources that are combined to
give an output. The output refers to the end product or final production of the combination of
resources. In technical terms production means the creation of utility or creation of wantsatisfying goods and services. Any good, become useful for us or satisfies our want when it is
worth consumption, Dutta (2006). Mathematically a production function is used in describing
the combination of resources to create an output. The production function refers to the
relationship between output and inputs. The output is the dependent variable whilst the inputs
are the independent variables. Several production functions exist and these include CobbDouglass production function (double log), the linear production function and the Semi-log
production function. The production function can be used to estimate the change in output
due to a unit change in all the inputs (elasticity).
The returns to scale can also be determined by the production function. This refers to the size
of an enterprise, business or the size of a plant. Increasing returns to scale means the
proportional change in output per unit increase in all the inputs are more than one.

Decreasing returns to scale also means the proportional change of output per unit increase of
all inputs is less than one. Constant returns to scale is where the proportional increase for
both output and input is same.
2.22 FACTORS INFLUENCING PRODUCTION
Keerthi (2008) studied the production and marketing of pineapple in the Shimoga District of
India and examined the productivity of important resources used in the cultivation of
pineapple. The Cobb- Douglas production function was used to estimate the resource
productivity of pineapple cultivation. He classified the variable inputs into five major groups
which included human labour, fertilizers, weedicides, growth regulators and planting
materials with the dependable variable being yield of pineapple per hectare. The results of the
regression analysis of pineapple production by sample cultivators did show a range of
marginal value product to marginal factor cost for various resources.
The regression co-efficient for fertilizer and planting material were positive, which indicated
that they will have a positive impact on the pineapple yield with further application of these
two resources in the production process.
Saili et al. (2005) conducted a research into the factors affecting the performance of
pineapple smallholders in Kampung Meranek. In their study they regressed the production
(output) against a number of factors which included labour, pineapple cultivation practise,
land, knowledge and farm record keeping. The average production observed was 35 60
tonnes per hectare and average income of RM 18000 per hectare per annum. They focussed
on a number of qualitative factors that influenced output as against most of the variables or
characteristics that can be quantified. The methodology employed was structured interview
and observation-farm visit. The qualitative variables included education, race, gender, status,
number of farmers children involved in pineapple farming, pineapple cultivation practice, and
farm recording.
7

Conley et al. (2000) also tried to study pineapple output as a result of the combination of two
most important inputs in pineapple production. They regressed output over fertilizer and
labour. They indicated that there was agronomic evidence that pineapple yields are very
responsive to fertilizer. Their empirical measure of input intensity was based on fertilizer
usage since it was better measured than labour. The logit model was employed to describe
changes in inputs. They concluded that farmers were more likely to change input levels upon
the receipt of bad news about the profitability of their previous level of input use.
Adinya et al. (2011) conducted a study on the estimation of efficiency constraints using
Cobb-Douglass production function in snail production by small farmers in Cross River
State, Nigeria. In their research they analysed the data obtained using the Ordinary Least
Square (OLS) multiple regression technique to determine the relationship between snail
output and the input variables. They also tried to use the linear, double-log and semi-log
function forms to determine which of the forms would best fit the relationship between snail
output and the independent variables. The value of their co-efficient of determination (R)
indicated that the Cobb- Douglass production function was the best compared with the Linear
and Semi-log production functions. The Cobb-Douglass function had the highest R value of
0.60 and meeting other econometric criteria.
The regression analysis also did show that farm size, labour, farm management practices,
operating costs and farming experience had positive influence on output of snail production
and were significant at one percent level of significance.
2.23 CATEGORIES OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCERS IN GHANA
Producers of fresh pineapples for export in Ghana can be classified into three categories;
smallholders, non-resident commercial farmers, and large-scale producer-exporters. Takane
(2004). The small holders are farmers who come from that particular pineapple growing area.

They are indigenous people who usually farm in their own villages, usually on relatively
small sized lands. The non- resident commercial farmers usually do not live in the particular
pineapple growing area but have acquired some land in the growing area on which they farm.
Their farms are comparatively bigger than that of the smallholders. Their produce is mostly
for commercial or trade purposes. The large-scale producers are those who may also not be
inhabitants of the pineapple growing area but have very large farms in the area. They usually
combine production of the pineapple and export. They are mostly multinational companies
who produce and export almost all of their produce. Examples are Blue skies, Compaigne
Fruitiere and Pinora.
In terms of target market, there are also three choices of groups that producers prefer to sell
their produce. The first is the exporters who arguably pay higher prices. The next preferred
buyers are the processing companies who pay less than what the exporters pay. Itinerant or
ordinary market men and women are the next group of buyers. They are least preferred
buyers because they pay very low prices.
2.24 METHOD OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION IN GHANA
Agyare (2010) argues that pineapple is by far the most important crop within the horticultural
subsector of the Ghanaian economy. Over 15000 individuals are employed by this industry.
About 40% of the number are women and generate rural incomes of over 6 million USD.
Large and medium commercial farms account for about 70% of production with the
remaining produced by smallholders. Agyare (2010) goes on to say that pineapple production
in Ghana covers over 8000 acres of land and is predominant in the Greater Accra, Eastern,
Central and Volta region of the country. The varieties usually produced are Sugarloaf,
Smooth Cayenne and now the MD2. Two basic methods of pineapple production are mostly
employed by farmers in the country. These are the organically produced pineapple and the
inorganically produced pineapple.
9

Organic production is where basically no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used. It is

ecological and environmentally friendly as against the inorganic type, where chemical
fertilizers are used. Kleeman (2011) argues that organic products earn a premium price on the
market compared to conventional (inorganic) products. Organic production therefore is often
seen as a valuable alternative for developing countries with many smallholders. Smallholder
farmers take advantage of organic farming whilst the large scale farmers are well suited to
engage in the normal conventional farming.
2.3 PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS
Profitability allows you to measure the ability of a firm to earn an adequate return on sales,
total assets and invented capital. Egyir (2007) indicates that profitability of a venture can be
assessed by using net gains from partial budgeting, gross margin costing, and marginal rate of
return or payback period. The gross margin analysis is therefore chosen for this work because
it is comparatively easier to calculate.
2.31 GROSS MARGIN
A Gross margin is the gross income from an enterprise less the variable costs incurred in
achieving it. Variable costs are those that are directly attributable to an enterprise which
varies in proportion to the size of an enterprise.
The Gross margin is not gross profit because it does not take into account overhead or fixed
costs such as depreciation, interest payment rates, power, water, insurance or mortgage cost,
Quinlan (2004).
The gross margin analysis can be used in two ways;

to diagnose the weaknesses of the existing farm business and

to prescribe for reorganization of the farm business

10

Gross margin analysis is very important for comparing performance of farm enterprise. If a
farm enterprise records a relative low gross margin, it may be due to;
1. Unfavourable input costs relative to product prices.
2. Low output associated with low variable cost (pointing to inadequate
expenditure on variable cost, example feed, fertilizer, labour, machine
expenses)
3. Excessive inputs relative to value of production.
4. An antiquated, inadequate or otherwise unsuitable type of production
technology. Rickards and McConnell (1967).
Tamasese (2009) conducted an analytical study of selected fruits and vegetable value chain in
Samoa. In his study Gross margin analysis for pawpaw production was performed for farmers
in Samoa with secondary data from the Ministry for Agriculture.
In determining the total income of farmers, the number of trees per acre, the acres planted,
plant spacing, growth period, land preparation cost per acre, and the number of fruits per tree
harvested were considered. The average weight per fruit was also very significant in
determining the total sales or income.
The total direct cost was also considered. Cost like planting material, fertilizer, transport to
market, hire of market stall, packaging costs and labour cost were determined.
The gross margin of farmers was deduced by deducting the direct cost from the total income
of farmers. The gross margin was calculated for three consecutive years before determining
the total crop income over the three years.

11

Egyir (2007) in her work on Allanblackia, compared the net returns to Allanblackia with
alternative tree crops including cocoa and evaluated the potential synergies between
Allanblackia and other crops such as Cola, Cocoa, Abesebuo and Atooto. She calculated
the gross margin per annum for each combination. The study revealed that the Gross margin
for Allanblankia, Abesebuo, Atooto, Cola and Cocoa were equal to the mean revenue because
the variable cost for all the crops were equal to zero.
2.4 CONSTRAINT ANALYSIS
Constraints can be measured using the Kendalls Coefficient of Concordance; the Garretts
ranking technique and sometimes the direct scoring method. However the Garret ranking
technique is preferred because the scorings given to each constraint ranked is then weighted
through conversions, by the use of a formula. It is also easier to use.
Chalamila and Madulu (2007) conducted a study on the Potential and Constraints of Fruits
trees in Coast region in Tanzania. In their constraint analysis it was found out that farmers
major constraints were lack of reliable markets, lack of improved varieties , lack of improved
production and processing know how ;and pests and diseases. The most important problem
was lack of reliable market.
The percentage score for the constraints were 75% for lack of reliable markets; 50% for lack
of improved varieties ; 45% for lack of improved production and processing know how and
30% for incidences of pests and diseases. They concluded that pineapple, cashew nut and oil
palm were potential source of households income replacing coconut in the study area.
However the major constraints of farmers were efficient marketing system and technological
knowhow. The methodology employed was direct scoring or ranking and the analysis was
done with Microsoft Excel and SPSS software packages.

12

Manoharan et al. (2003) also conducted constraint analysis in milk production faced by the
farmers in Pondicherry union territory. The opinion of the farmers were analysed by the
Garretts ranking technique with the formula 100(Rij-0.5)/ Nj, where;
Rij = rank given for ith factor by j th individual.
N j = number of factors ranked by j th individual.
In terms of the Garretts mean score arranged in decreasing other of importance; the first five
constraints in dairy farming were higher feed cost, lower price for milk, High investment,
infertility problem and low productivity.
Achuonjei et al (2002) in their research dubbed Ghana Sustainable horticultural export chain
indicated the most significant problem or constraint areas in the field of logistics with respect to
pineapple production are; poor infrastructure, poor quality of the means of transport used, lack of
refrigeration facilities resulting in inferior product quality, the exported volumes being too low and
the freight cost also being too high

Mensah et al (2010) in the study The performance of Ghanas Papaya in the Export
industry used the Kendalls Coefficient of Concordance to analyse constraints in the
pawpaw industry in Ghana; Where w = 12S [m (n - n)]-1.
w= Kendalls Coefficient
n= number of logistic constraints being ranked
m= number of rankings by the exports
The constraints revealed were lack of trained staff to handle the produce, cold store, forklift
at the port, quality card boxes, transporters, and pack houses, drying tables, water troughs,
and water reservoirs.

13

3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The methodology for the study is developed through a three step approach. The first step is
the method of data analysis, followed by the geographical area of study and then method of
data collection.
3.2 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
The Method of Data Analysis for the study is described below;
A regression model using the Cobb-Douglass production function was used to identify the
factors that influence the production of pineapple. The Cobb-Douglass production function
has advantage over other forms of production functions like the Linear and Semi-log
production functions. The Cobb- Douglass produces a higher R- square value and also shows
many statistical significant variables, Adinya et al (2011).
The Cobb Douglass production function is specified as;
InYi= o + 1InX1i + 2 InX2i + 3 InX3i + 4 InX4i + n InXni + ei
Where;
Y= the dependent variable (output)
o = Constant term
1 - 5 = Elasticity

e = error

The table below presents a description of the regression variables;

14

3.1 Description of regression variables

Variables

Description

Measurement

Expectation

X1

Farm size

Hectares

X2

Labour

Man days

X3

Fertilizer

Kilograms(Kg)

X4

Sucker

Number

X5

Other factors

Cedis (GH)

-/+

3.3 HYPOTHESIS TESTING

The likelihood ratio (LR) test was used in testing for Constant returns to scale. To conduct
the test for constant returns to scale; all the variables including output (Y) were scaled using
one of the independent variables (farm size) whilst the log likelihood values for the restricted
and unrestricted were obtained. The log likelihood value was to be compared to the Chi
square(X) table with degree of freedom equal to one.
LR = -2 (In Lo In Li);
Where Li is the first likelihood value (unrestricted) and Lo is the second likelihood value
(restricted). All the variables were log transformed.
HO : i = 1; 1 = 2= 3 = 4 = 5 = 1

ie;

The production of pineapple in the study area exhibits constant returns to scale

HA : i 1 ie;
The production of pineapple in the study area does not exhibit constant returns to scale.

15

T Test was used to test for the significance of the individual variables in the production
function.
Ho: The individual variables are not significant
HA : The individual variables are significant

F- Test was used to test for the importance of the variables in the production function.

n = number of observations
k = number of parameters (constant + exogenous variables)
Degree of freedom for numerator is k-1 and that of the denominator is n-k

HO : The variables in the production function are not important

HA : The variables in the production function are important

The Gross margin analysis was used to measure the profitability of the enterprise.
GM =GI TVC

, GI = (P * Q) = TR

GM = Gross margin , GI= Gross income, P= Price, Q= Quantity

TR= Total Revenue,

16

To calculate the TR, the farmers total quantity of harvested fruits was to be multiplied by the
unit price.
For the total variable cost; cost of irrigation, transportation, suckers, fertilizer and other
variable cost of the farmer were to be summed together. The Gross margin is the total
revenue less the variable cost incurred.
The Garret ranking technique which was employed by Sedaghat (2011) was to be used to
rank the constraints of pineapple farmers.
The pineapple farmers were given common constraints to rank according to order of
importance. The orders of importance were to be converted into percent positions.
Percent position of each rank= 100 (Rij 0.5)/ Nj, where;
Rij = Rank given for the ith factor (constraint) by the jth individual (farmer).
The percent position of each rank was to be converted into score using the Garret and
Woodworth (1969) table. The mean score was to be estimated for each constraint and
arranged in descending order of magnitude.

3.4 THE STUDY AREA

The geographical area of study is the Akwapim South municipal area. The Akwapim South
municipal area covers areas like Nsawam, Dobro, Aburi and Adoagyiri with Nsawam as the
capital. The municipal occupies about 403 square kilometres of land (MOFA, 2011).
The climate includes a bimodal pattern of rainfall of about 1700 mm per annum with mean
annual rainfall of 1250 mm per annum (MOFA, 2011). A lot of pineapple growing areas exist
in Ghana but Akwapim South municipal was selected based on resource constraints.

17

3.4 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

A pilot survey was initially conducted to validate the structured questionnaires. Samples of
the questionnaires were given to a few farmers in the study area as a feasibility study before
the actual survey. This helped in correcting certain anomalies in the questionnaires before the
actual survey took place. The targeted sample size of farmers was 50. Primary data was
collected from typical small-scale farmers with a structured questionnaire. The 50 farmers
were selected by simple random sampling in areas like Nsawam, Fotobi, Nsakye, Pokrom and
Aburi.
There are more areas in Ghana were pineapples are cultivated for commercial purposes which
include the Volta region and Central region. There was therefore the possibility of studying
all these areas so that all differences that called for special attention could be identified.
However the Akwapim South municipal was chosen due to resource constraint. The areas
were selected by purposive sampling based on literature review and the selection of
respondents was based on simple random sampling of those who were available at the time of
visit and were willing to participate in the interview.

18

4. 0 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

4.1. SOCIO- ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMERS

Some of the characteristics considered here are gender, educational background, size of
family, land tenure and whether pineapple farming was their major occupation.
4.11 GENDER OF FARMERS
Out of 50 farmers, 46 were males and only four were females. This meant the male farmers
represented about 92% and female farmers also represented only 8%. The results indicated
that pineapple farming in the area was dominated by males. This can be attributed to the fact
that men are able to raise the needed capital in starting such a business whist the women
interest is low. The table below summarises the results discussed above.
4.1 Gender distribution of respondents
Male

Female

Frequency

46

Percentage (%)

92

Source: Survey data

4.12 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Most of the farmers interviewed indicated that they had only had primary education. 36% of
them had only primary education, 30% of them attended the Junior High School, and 24%
also attended Middle School whilst 8% of them attended Senior Secondary School. Only 2%
attained tertiary education.
Most of the farmers in the area are not highly educated and the pie-chart below summarises
the results obtained.

19

4.1 Percentage of respondents with respect to educational level

Secondary school
8%

Tertiary
2%

Primary
36%

Middle school
24%

JSS
30%

Source: Survey day

4.13 HOUSEHOLD SIZE

The maximum household size of farmers was 13 and the minimum was two. The mean
household size was six and the extended family type was more than the nuclear family type.
80% of the respondents interviewed were family heads, in that they were the bread winners of
their families.
4.14 OCCUPATIONAL STATUS
Out of the 50 respondents, 48 of them said their major occupation was pineapple farming
representing 96%. Only two of them were not cultivating pineapples as a major occupation.
This result could be attributed to the fact that there may not be other employment
opportunities and the only alternative in the area is pineapple farming business. The result is
presented in table 4.3 below:

20

4.3 Pineapple farming as a major or non major occupation

Occupation Status

frequency

Percentage (%)

Pineapple farming as major occupation

48

96

Pineapple farming as non- major occupation

Source: Survey data

4.15 LAND OWNERSHIP
Majority of the farmers in the area acquired their farming lands through lease. The traditional
leaders own and are custodians of majority of the lands in the area. Only 12% of the farmers
acquired their lands through inheritance whilst 88% did acquire theirs on lease basis. Land
tenure is not associated with much problem in the area. None of respondents interviewed
indicated that they practise the Share cropping or the Abusa and Abunu system.
The minimum size of farm was 0.2 hectares, the maximum was 8.0 hectares and the mean
farm size was 1.6 hectares. The results show that majority of farmers in the area are smallscale farmers operating on small farm lands.
4.2 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF VARIABLES
The variables used for the regression were farm size, quantity of fertilizer used, labour,
number of suckers and depreciated cost of inputs. The table below shows the maximum,
minimum and mean values of inputs used;

21

4.4 Summary description of variables

Variable

Maximum

Minimum

Mean

Farm size (Hectares)

8.0

0.2

1.6

Fertilizer ( Kg)

11200

175

2116.5

Labour( man days)

11200

175

769.24

Sucker

440000

1000

87840

Depreciation (GH)

594

276.68

Source: Survey data

4.21. PRODUCTION FUNCTION ESTIMATES
The results for estimates for the production function are shown in the table below. Three out
of the five factors were very significant at one percent, five percent or ten percent.
4.5 Estimates for the production function
Variable

Coefficient

Standard Error

Probability

Farm size

0.852630

0.089448

0.0000***

Fertilizer

0.002146

0.044001

0.9613

Labour

-0.038680

0.049613

0.4399

Sucker

0.181775

0.034983

0.0000***

Depreciation

0.058861

0.031396

0.0676*

Constant term

8.585111

0.645023

0.0000

22

R- Square

0.980326

Adjusted R- Square

0.978038

Standard Error of regression

0.136392

Log likelihood

31.29118

1.056732

Source: Survey data

*, **, *** imply 10%, 5% and 1% significance levels respectively.
Farm size was significant at one percent. The size of the farms of farmers positively
influenced the pineapple output. The results also did show that output of pineapple has a
positive relationship with farm size since the coefficient is positive. Therefore one percent
increases in farm size causes 85.2% increase in pineapple output.
Fertilizer use also influenced pineapple output positively in terms of elasticity, but the effect
it had on output was not significant. One percent changes in fertilizer causes 0.2% change in
output. All the farmers use inorganic type of fertilizer and certainly the larger the farm size
the more the amount of fertilizer employed.
The application of the fertilizer also depended on the moisture content of the soil. The higher
the moisture content the higher the amount of fertilizer.
Labour was also not significant. One percent change in labour causes a 3.86% percent change
in output. It affected output negatively meaning as labour increases the output decreases
proportionally.

23

The results shows that the farmers in the area were overusing labour; especially from the
point that they cultivated on relatively small farm sizes. The employment of labour was
mainly an additional cost to the farmers.
The number of suckers used was significant at one percent and had a positive relationship
with output. One percent change in suckers causes 18.1% change in output. The higher the
number of suckers used the greater the output level of pineapple.
All the respondents use treated pineapple suckers to plant. Depreciated cost of inputs also
was positively related to the output level. The elasticity was positive and significant at 10%.
One percent change in depreciated cost causes 5.88% change in output. The inputs used were
drums and knapsack sprayer. The F-test conducted indicated that the variables used were
important with R-square value of 0.9803. The R square value of 0.9803 means that about
98% of variability in the dependent variable (output) was explained by the independent
variables. The constant term had a coefficient of 8.58.
The sum of elasticity (i ) was 1.05 which is approximately one and thereby indicating
constant returns to scale. This finding is confirmed by the results of the constant return to
scale test using the log likelihood test as shown in the table below:
4.6 Results of likelihood ratio test
Log likelihood value

Log likelihood value

( unrestricted )

(restricted )

31.29118

31.28686

Test Statistic

Critical

Decision

Value

0.00864

3.84

Accept

Source: Survey data

24

The test statistic value was compared to the critical chi square value of 3.84 with probability
of 0.05 at degree of freedom of one. Therefore the null hypothesis cannot be rejected. The
production function according to the hypothesis test exhibits constant returns to scale.
The table below also shows the results of the F-test conducted to show that the variables used
were important in explaining variations in output;

4.7 Results of the F-test

Test Statistic (F-stat.)

Critical value

Decision

428.5229

2.45

Reject

Source: Survey data

The table below also shows the results of the T- test conducted to show the significance of
the individual variables in the production function;
4.8 Results of the T- test
Variable

T-statistic

Critical value

Decision

Labour

-0.7796

1.684

Accept

Fertilizer

0.0487

1.684

Accept

Farm size

9.5321

1.684

Reject

Suckers

5.1960

1.684

Reject

Depreciation

1.8747

1.684

Reject

Source: Survey data

25

4.3 PROFITABILITY OF THE PINEAPPLE ENTERPRISE

The findings of the profitability analysis are presented in table 4.9 below:
4.9 Gross margin, gross income and total variable cost
Mean

Gross

income

per Mean Total Variable cost per Mean

Gross

hectare (GH)

hectare (GH)

hectare (GH)

17343.1333

6049.7005

11008.4157

margin

per

Source: Survey data

The total variable cost was subtracted from the total revenue or income of the various
farmers. The items included in the cost are fertilizer, suckers, labour, transportation and
depreciated cost.
The minimum cost of fertilizer was GH205 and the maximum was GH 8000. The mean
amount of fertilizer employed was GH1705. Most of the farmers also did not buy suckers in
the new farming season. The suckers were acquired from the previous cultivation. The
maximum cost of labour to the farmers was GH12480 and the minimum was GH900
according to the size of the farmers farm. The mean cost was GH 4143.34. Most of the
farmers use hired labour and this is mostly needed for land preparation and fetching of water.
The rest of the work is performed by the farmer and his family. The payment was usually
made on per daily basis. The maximum cost of transportation was GH18000 and the mean
was GH839.58. The transportation cost is normally incurred when conveying suckers from
one farm to the other and sometimes water. Interestingly there were a few farmers who never
incurred transportation cost in whole farming season.

26

On per hectare basis the mean total variable cost of the pineapple farmers in the area was
GH6049.7. The minimum total variable cost was GH1282.00 and the maximum was GH
22102.50.
The variable cost was inflated by the cost of labour which had a mean cost of GH4143.34 as
compared to other cost from fertilizer and transportation. The mean gross margin per hectare
was also GH17343.13. Most of the farmers are able to ensure some level of good
agricultural practise coupled with some level of risk management. They are therefore able to
harvest a large chunk of the pineapple suckers they had planted, and therefore attained the
expected income. The minimum number of suckers planted per hectare was about 12500 and
the maximum was 62500 suckers. The minimum number was due to the nature of the farm
land for such farmers. Some farmers are unlucky to have rocks on their farms and therefore
the planting distance becomes very large above the average.
The minimum number of pineapples harvested per hectare was 20000 and the maximum was
57500. The mean number of suckers used per hectare was 52150, and the mean number of
pineapples harvested per hectare was therefore 17343.13. A high income that a farmer could
earn usually depended on the market and insignificantly on the possibility of having a good
harvest. This was because most of the farmers always had good harvest and therefore they
were only going to have a high income if they got good prices for their produce.
The minimum gross income per hectare was GH9500.00 and the maximum was GH
25000.00. The higher gross margin could be due to good market and good land as
mentioned. It could also be due to some level of economies of scale.
Those with larger farm size usually made higher income per hectare. The mean gross income
per hectare was also GH17343.13. Arguably this may look quite good compared to the fact
that the mean total variable cost per hectare was around GH6049.76.
27

4.4 PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS

The results gathered from the research indicated that lack of reliable market was the most
pressing constraint with a mean score of 69.10 according to the garret ranking technique. The
next pressing constraint was high cost of farm input with a mean score of about 62.82.
Inadequate credit for production followed with a mean score of 58.28. The fourth constraint
in terms of ranking was incidence of pest and diseases with a mean score of 46.16. The fifth
constraint was lack of storage facilities with a mean score of 45.78. Lack of appropriate
agricultural machinery followed with a mean score of 41.78. Inadequate irrigation was the
Seventh most important constraint with a mean score of 39.44. Lack of extensional and
advisory service was the least important constraint that the farmers in the Akwapim South
municipal area face. The result of the rankings is presented in table 4.10;
4.10 Constraints faced by pineapple farmers
Constraint

Mean score

Rank

Lack of Reliable market

69.10

High cost of farm inputs

62.82

Inadequate credit for production

58.28

Incidence of pest and diseases

46.16

Lack of storage facilities

45.78

Lack of appropriate agricultural machinery

41.78

Inadequate irrigation

39.44

Lack of extensional and advisory service

36.24

Source: Survey data

28

The major problem faced by the pineapple farmers is lack of reliable market for their
produce. The farmers have become more of price takers than price makers. Their produce is
always at the mercy of retail sellers and Blue Skies Company. These retail sellers would
make serious argument that given the higher perishable nature of pineapple, they cannot
afford to take the prices quoted by the farmers. And that there is probably a higher risk that
most of the produce they intended to purchase would start deteriorating after a short period of
time if all of them were not sold out. The farmers then have no option than to let go off their
produce at such bad price. The minimum price of a unit fruit was sold for 20p and the
maximum was 50p. The mean price given for a single pineapple fruit was 40.58p.
There are no weighing instruments to weigh when doing business with these traders. Prices
are often quoted by the size of the pineapple and usually even the prices quoted above are for
the larger sizes. Some farmers complain that sometimes there are even difficulties in
accessing potential buyers especially during bumper harvest season.
There was evidence where some farmers had to suspend the harvest of already matured
produce because they could not find buyers. Some of the produce even ends up rotten in the
farm. Since the area is less endowed other source of employment is hardly available and they
have no option than to continue farming against all the odds. Some years ago the exporters
were a major source of market for the pineapple farmers. The findings did indicate that the
exporters are now extinct for some reasons and farmers now depend largely on retailers. Blue
Skies offer prices that are comparatively higher than the normal price offered by retailers.
However Blue Skies only buy pineapple from some few farmers whom they enter into
agreement with and then occasionally purchase from other farmers. All these factors make
the pineapple market not reliable in the Akwapim South. The second most important
constraint per the rankings given was high cost of farm inputs.

29

Inputs like fertilizer and farming equipments are very costly and require frequent use in
pineapple production. Farmers complain that the price of fertilizer like Sulphate of potash,
Urea and NPK frequently goes up and this increases the production cost. The worse of it is
that they dare not also increase the price of their produce since the buyers may not accept
such price increase. The farmers are short changed since the prices of fertilizer keeps
increasing but the price of their produce remains constant over a very long time. They
complain that even though the government provides some form of subsidy; it does not extend
to them. The fertilizer dealers will always tell them the government subsidized ones are all
sold out. The farmers have no option than to purchase the unsubsidized ones at relatively high
prices. As indicated by the findings, one percent increase in fertilizer increases output by only
0.2% .Other farm inputs like wellington boots, nose mask and gloves do not last and require
frequent replacement. They therefore have to purchase these items on frequent basis, facing
new market situations every time. Pineapple farming is such that you cannot risk your health
and you always need protective clothing.
Inadequate credit for production was the next most important constraint ranked by the
farmers. They depend on NGOs and the government for some support, but not all of them get
access to the little help provided. Accessing credit from the banks is also very difficult. The
banks provide pure commercial loans which are normally payable within a year but the
production cycle of pineapple mostly goes beyond a year. Therefore the farmers are always in
a difficult position to repay their loans due to higher interest rates charged on such loans. The
farmers also face some challenge in accessing inputs on credit basis. The farmers claim
pineapple production requires that you are very careful with your suckers least you expose
them to disease and pest infestation.

30

The most vulnerable variety is the MD2. It requires a lot of care for maximum output. The
farmers in the Akwapim South area all treat their suckers before planting and this comes with
some cost.
Given the high perishable and seasonal nature of the pineapple produce, it requires some
equipment that can be used to store it for some time. When all the outputs of the farmers are
not sold out within a minimum time frame, the rest of produce will rot. This is a great source
of worry for the farmers in the municipal area. The lack of storage facilities also put some
sort of pressure on them to give their produce out at a very low price to avoid any risk of
produce rot.
The problem of agricultural machinery and irrigation facilities were considered less serious
by the farmers. The accessibility of tractors is very difficult in the area. It therefore becomes
difficult for farmers to expand their scale of production. The few who also have tractors face
the challenge of acquiring spare parts when their machinery breaks down.
Irrigation facilities in the area were also not accessible. Farmers compete among themselves
for farm lands that are near sources of water; otherwise farmers spend a lot of money
transporting water from other places into their farms. The research indicated that none of the
farmers use irrigation facilities. This situation also limits the scale of production. This
particular constraint was ranked seventh. The last most important constraint ranked at the
eighth position was the lack of extensional and advisory service. The extension to farmer
ratio in the area is such wide that farmers hardly get the services of extension officers.
Getting information on new and good agricultural practise is quite difficult.

31

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents a summary of the major findings, conclusion and recommendations
drawn from the study.
5.2 SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS
Pineapple production in the Akwapim South municipal area is dominated by the male
population and the male to female ratio is 92:8. Production in the area exhibits constant
returns to scale. This means that one percent change in all inputs causes one percent change
in the pineapple output. The output of pineapple is hugely influenced by farm size and one
percent increase in the farm size causes an 85% increment in output. One percent increase in
fertilizer causes 0.2% increase in output, one percent increase in labour causes 3.8% decrease
in output, one percent increase in suckers causes 18.1% increase in output and one percent
increase in depreciated cost of inputs causes 5.8% increase in output. The mean Gross margin
per hectare was GH11008.4 and lack of reliable market is the most important constraint in
the farming area.
5.3 CONCLUSION
Output is significantly affected by farm size; number of suckers used and farm inputs.
Fertilizer and labour were not significant, but labour had a negative relationship with output.
The farmers are over using labour and are therefore not efficient with the use of labour. The
gross margin was significantly affected by the cost of labour and least affected by
transportation. Farmers spend a lot on labour and very less on transportation. The mean gross
income per hectare was GH17343.1 and the mean total variable cost per hectare was
GH6049.7.Out of a list of constraints, the major one faced by the farmers in the Akwapim
South municipal area is lack of demanding and reliable market.

32

The characteristics of the pineapple produce which include perishability; seasonality and
variability in terms of quality and quantity negatively affect the market power of farmers.
They have become more of price takers than price makers. Lack of extensional and advisory
service was the least important constraint the farmers face.
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
Majority of the farmers will be better off if they farm on their current scales but they need to
take steps to improve on the efficient use of labour. Steps should also be taken to improve the
output per every hectare or productivity. Pineapple farming is quite profitable and farmers
should be encouraged to continue farming. The government needs to provide more positive
subsidies to cut down on the production cost of farmers. Government should set up an
efficient regulatory body of the pineapple market to offer some appreciable level of
protection to the farmers.

33

REFERENCES
Achuonjei, A., J. Allen, D. Holcroft, W. Somerville, and D. Twede. (2002): Ghana
Sustainable Horticultural Export Chain, Michigan State University.
Adinya, I.B., D. Edet, G.U. Ikpi, and M.G. Nyienakuna. (2011): Estimation Of Efficiency
Constraints Using Cobb-Douglass Production Function in Snail (Archachatina marginata)
Production by Cross River State, Nigeria. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences,
21(2):274-282.
Agyare, E.A. (2010): Technology for Improved Income of Smallholder Pineapple Producers,
Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organization Case Studies.
Chalamila, B.N. and R.B. Madulu. (2007): Potential and Constraints of Fruit Trees in Coast
Region in Tanzania, A Case Study of Mkuranga and Bagamoyo Districts, African Crop
Science Conference Proceedings, Vol.8: 1399-1401.
Conley, T.G. and Udry R. Christopher (2000): Learning About a New Technology: Pineapple
in Ghana. Center Discussion Paper No. 817.
Danielou, M. and C.Rawry. (2005). The Rise of Ghanas Pineapple Industry. Africa Region
Working Paper Series No.93.
Dutta, S, (2006): Introductory Economics (Micro and Macro), New Age International
Publishers, New Delhi.
Egyir, S.E., (2007): Allanblackia: Standard Setting and Sustainable Supply Chain
Management- Price Setting and Marginal Cost Study, International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN).

34

Garret, H.E. and R.S. Woodworth (1986): Statistics in Psychology and Education, Bombay,
Vakils, Feffer and Simons Pvt. Ltd: 329.
Ghana Export Promotion Council (2010): www.gepcghana.com.Accessed 19/10/11.
Jaegar, P, (2008): Ghana Export Horticulture Cluster Strategic Profile Study.
Keerthi, H.R. (2008): Production and Marketing of Pineapple in Shimoga District An
Economic Analysis, Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture,
Dharwad.
Kleemann, L. (2011): Organic Pineapple Farming in Ghana- A Good Choice for
Smallholders? Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Working Paper No.1671.
Mensah, C., D.B .Sarpong, A. Sowah, and A.B. Yeboah. (2010): The Performance of
Ghanas Papaya in the Export Industry, Conference on International Research on Food
Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development.
Manoharan, R, R., K.N. Selvakumar, and S.S. Pandian. (2003): Constraints in Milk
Production Faced by the Farmers in Pondicherry Union Territory, Indian J, Anim. Res.,
37(1): 68-70.
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (2011). Regional Agricultural Profiles, Akwapim South
Municipal.
Quinlan, K. (2004): Macadamia Costs and Returns for Northern NSW, NSW Department of
Primary Industries, Alstonville.
Richards, P.A. and D.J. McConnell. (1967): Budgeting, Gross Margins and Programming for
Farm Planning, Professional Farm Management Guidebook no.3.

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Tamasese, E. (2009): An Analytical Study of Selected Fruit and Vegetable Value Chains in
Samoa, AAACP Paper Series- No.11.
Takane, T. (2004): Smallholders and Non- Traditional Exports under Economic
Liberalization: The Case of Pineapples in Ghana, African Study Monographs, 25(1): 29-43.
Sedaghat, R. (2010): Constraints in Production and Marketing of Irans Pistachio and the
Policies Concerned: An Application of the Garret Ranking Technique, International Journal
of Nuts and Related Sciences.
Saili, A.R., M. Mohamadin and M. Z. Kamil (2005), Factors Affecting the Performance of
Pineapple Smallholders in Kampung Meranek, Institute of Penyelidikan.

36

APPENDIX

FARMER QUESTIONNAIRE
ANALYSIS OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION IN THE AKWAPIM SOUTH
MUNICIPAL AREA.
The main objective of this questionnaire is to analyse pineapple production in the Akwapim
South Municipal. This will give an understanding of the evolving opportunities and
constraints in pineapple production.
Respondents are assured, that their details will be kept private and not appear anywhere, as
this is just an academic exercise in partial fulfilment for the award of a Bachelors degree in
Agribusiness.
Name of farmer .................................................................................
Name of farm.......................................................................................
Date of interview..................................................................................
Telephone number...............................................................................
A. SOCIO ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMER
1. Gender of farmer

[ ] Male [ ] Female

2. Location of farm...........................................................................
3. Educational background:
[ ] Primary

[ ] JHS

[ ] Middle School [ ] Secondary

[ ] Tertiary

[ ] Others (Specify)......................................................................
37

4. Are you the family head?

[ ] Yes [ ] No
5. What is the size of your family?...................................................
6. Is pineapple farming your major occupation?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

7. If no, what is your major farming occupation?....................................................

B. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRODUCTION OF PINEAPPLE [PER THE

PRODUCTION SEASON]
8. How did you acquire this land?
[ ] Inherited

[ ] Bought it

[ ] lease

[ ] Share cropping

[ ] others

(Specify)..............................................................
9. How many years have you been into pineapple production?......................................
10. What is the total size of your farm?..................................Hectare equiv.........................
11. What proportion of your farm did you devote to pineapple farming?........Hectare
equiv................
12. What type of fertilizer did you use on your farm?
[ ] Inorganic

[ ] Organic

[ ] Both

13. How much of the fertilizer did you use? .................................................( Kilograms)
14. What was the cost of the fertilizer?...........................................................
15. What type of sucker did you use? [ ]Treated

[ ]Untreated [ ] Both

16. How many of the suckers did you use? ......................................................

17. What was the total cost of the suckers?........................................................

38

18. What was the quantity of labour used per the production season?
Type

Total

Rate

Months Rate

Weeks

Rate

Days

Rate

Hours

Rate

of

number paid

worked paid

worked paid

worked paid

worked paid

labour

Used/

/year

/month

/week

/day

year
Adult
male 1
Adult
male 2
Adult
male 3

Adult
female
1
Adult
female
2
Adult

39

female
3

Child
(< 18)
1
Child
2
Child
3

OTHER FACTORS [List of equipments owned by farmer]

19. Please provide answers to the following questions in the table below.
Type
equipment

of Number
used

Unit cost

Maintenance Year

Expected

Share

cost

lifespan

pineapple

purchased

Hoe
Cutlass
Pickaxe
Wheel barrel

40

for

Sprayers
Others(specify)

C. GROSS MARGIN OF FARMER

18. What was the total number of pineapples harvested per the production season?
.................................................. ................................................................................................
19. What was the total weight of harvested pineapples? ...........................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
(Kilograms)
20. What was the unit price?.............................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
21. What was the price per kilogram if the pineapples were sold on kilogram basis?
................................................................................................................................................

OTHER VARIABLE COST OF FARMER

24. Was your farm irrigated? [ ] Yes [ ] No
25. How much did you spend on irrigation?..............................................................
26. How much did you spend on transportation?.......................................................

41

D. CONSTRAINTS IN PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION

27. Please rank the following constraints according to importance by ticking the numbers
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7&8) against each of them. The lowest number represents the most
important constraint.
CONSTRAINT

Inadequate Irrigation
High cost of farm inputs
Inadequate credit for production
Lack of extensional and advisory service
Lack of appropriate agricultural machinery
Lack of reliable market
Incidence of pest and disease
Lack of storage facilities

Any comment: .............................................................................................................................

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