Abstract

Due to the continuous cropping of maize and groundnuts on the same land in northern Ghana for livelihood, production yields have declined significantly below potential levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ecological limitations affecting maize and groundnut productivity in northern Ghana and also to analyze the socioeconomic constraints impacting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Five cropping systems (viz. sole continuous maize (SCM), sole continuous groundnut (SCG), maize-groundnut intercrop (MGI), groundnut/maize rotation (GMR) and maize/groundnut rotation (MGR)), each with or without fertilizer were established under RCBD at Nyankpala during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. For the fertilized rotation treatments, the maize crop received 60-N, 40-P₂O₅, and 40-K₂O, kg/ha, while the groundnut crop received 20-N, 40-P₂O₅, and 40-K₂O, kg/ha using NPK 11, 22, 21, kg/ha with trace elements S, Zn and B. The cropping systems were characterised on grain yields, yield related parameters, resource use and economic returns on investments. The results showed that intercrop and rotation treatments gave better yields. Their land equivalent ratios (LER) were 1.2 and 1.09 respectively, in the two seasons. Maize grain yield under the rotation increased from 2.5 to 3.8 t/ha while groundnut pod yield increased from 0.6 to 0.9 t/ha. The system with highest economic returns was recorded for the rotation systems either with or without fertilizer application. To improve livelihoods and productivity, smallholder farmers in northern Ghana should adopt intercrop and rotation systems, incorporate fertilizer application, and consider soil fertility management practices. Policy support and extension services can facilitate the adoption of these sustainable agricultural practices.

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