Understanding farmers’ challenges in maintaining maize quality for industrial use in Ghana: Barriers and strategies

Abstract

Understanding how smallholder farmers in Ghana maintain maize quality for industrial use is essential, given the challenges they face in meeting industrial standards. This study explores farmers' perceptions of maize grain quality standards, the challenges they encounter in maintaining quality for industrial use, the strategies they adopt to manage quality, and the factors that influence maize quality. The findings indicate that farmers recognize the importance of maize quality but face misconceptions about certain quality aspects, particularly regarding broken or moldy grains. In terms of quality control measures, farmers perceive them as both difficult and costly to implement, citing high costs for certified seeds, labor, and storage facilities as major barriers. Farmers rely on a range of strategies to manage maize quality, focusing on pre-harvest and post-harvest activities such as drying, timely harvesting, sorting, and storing in well-ventilated spaces. Female farmers and those with higher education levels are more likely to meet quality standards, while older farmers face higher rejection rates due to reliance on traditional practices. Key factors influencing maize quality include access to modern storage facilities, knowledge and training in quality standards, and the influence of age, gender, and education. The study also highlights significant logistical challenges, such as inadequate transportation infrastructure and long distances to warehouses, which hinder farmers' ability to maintain maize quality. Despite these constraints, farmers employ a combination of preventive and corrective measures to enhance quality. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including cost-effective quality control solutions, improved training on modern practices, and better storage and transportation infrastructure to help farmers meet industrial maize standards, improve their productivity, and enhance their livelihoods.