Compliance with GLOBALGAP standards among smallholder pineapple farmers in Akuapem-South, Ghana
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
ISSN: 2044-0839
Article publication date: 16 May 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the adherence, constraints and key factors associated with smallholder pineapple farmers’ compliance with Global working group for Good Agricultural Practice (GLOBALGAP) standards in the Akuapem-South Municipal area, Ghana. It utilizes the modeling of socio-economic, farm, market and institutional factors influencing smallholder farmers’ compliance with GLOBALGAP standards. This paper aims to enhance smallholder farmers’ compliance with food safety standards in particular GLOBALGAP so they can continue to participate in international food trade.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses mainly primary data solicited from 150 randomly selected smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics are employed in estimating compliant farmers’ rate of adherence with standards requirements and identifying constraints of farmers while a probit regression model is used to determine the factors influencing GLOBALGAP compliance decision of farmers.
Findings
Findings of the study show that compliant farmers’ rate of adherence with the standard is about 90 percent and this is below the minor musts compliance criteria of 95 percent. The results also indicate that lack of access to farm credits, high cost of farm inputs and high cost of labor are the major constraints to GLOBALGAP compliance. Factors found to positively influence farmers’ compliance decision are number of pineapple farms, access to off-farm income, access to market information and extension services. However, compliance is negatively influenced by age.
Research limitations/implications
Majority of Ghanaian smallholder pineapple farmers are not GLOBALGAP certified. The study was limited to Akuapem-South because most farmers produce pineapple for the export market and are certified under the Option II GLOBALGAP group certification.
Originality/value
This paper brings to bear issues confronting food safety standards compliance among smallholder farmers in developing countries, particularly Ghana.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Baah Prince Annor would like to sincerely express his gratitude to his supervisors: Dr Mensah-Bonsu Akwasi and Dr John Baptist D. Jatoe for their advice, constructive criticisms and contributions toward the success of this work. The author acknowledges with gratitude the role played by other senior members of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness especially Dr George T-M Kwadzo, Professor Al-Hassan Ramatu, Professor D.B. Sarpong, Dr J.K.M. Kuwornu, D.P.K. Amegashie, Dr Irene Egyir and Rev. Dr Asuming-Brempong for their immense contributions. The author is also grateful to Victor Mensah (MOFA Directorate, Akuapem-South Municipal), Ofori Ntim (Ghana Exports Promotion Council), all individuals and organizations that spent their valuable time and know-how with the author in obtaining valuable information for the study.
Citation
Annor, B.P., Mensah-Bonsu, A. and Jatoe, J.B.D. (2016), "Compliance with GLOBALGAP standards among smallholder pineapple farmers in Akuapem-South, Ghana", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 21-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-05-2013-0017
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited