Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
are planted mainly in the major season, and early maturing types (between 64 and
75 days) like
abrowtia
(Twi name), ideal for the lean season, are planted in combi-
nation during the planting season. This strategy helps farmers to reap at least some
maize for home consumption even in an unfavourable planting season. Even so,
farmers still prefer the local type because it is tastier.
Local vegetable seeds for future planting are extracted from the ripe fruit,
sun-dried, and stored in rags, paper, or bottles and normally kept in safe places
to prevent insect attack. Okra and bean types are kept dry in their pods and kept
until the time of their sowing. According to farmers the local types are adapted
to their environment and are planted in combination with the improved types.
In addition, crossbreeding, especially of animals, is carried out. For instance,
a well-built ram or billy goat could be borrowed from its owner during the mating
season at a token fee of 5,000 cedis (approximately US$1) to mate with several
ewes or nanny goats of the one who desires to have sheep or goats of that kind.
In the process, animals well adapted to the dynamic environment are produced.
This selective breeding practice enables the farmer to manipulate several indige-
nous species on the same plot, thereby encouraging a shift away from monocul-
ture, associated with the use of improved varieties.
Crop conservation
A change in the types of crops grown is another biodiversity conservation strategy
employed by farmers. They know that relying solely on a single crop is not safe.
Therefore they diversify the types of crops they grow. More citrus, cashew, mango,
and oil palm are being planted, as farmers now perceive that the soil is no longer good
for cocoa, once a dominant crop but which is no longer grown extensively.
However, the choice of a particular crop is based on a farmer's knowledge,
food preference, and consideration of yields and sale. These crops, according to
farmers, are not drastically affected by weather variability once they mature and,
as such, are used as a form of insurance.
Other crops include pineapple, green pepper, and cabbage.
These shifts can affect the production of staples. In the short term, agricultural
production may be lower due to decreased land area for cultivation as some plots
previously used for staple crops may be channelled into these diversified crops.
All the same, the revenue accruing to households from the sale of these crops and
others with ready markets can enable such households to buy food and increase
their food security.
Home gardening
Home gardening, which is also common in the study area, is another means of
conserving biodiversity. The home gardens contain a wider diversity of crops than
some main farms. In some of the gardens, trees and crops which are reported as
