Role of Agriculture in Rural Development

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Doe Adovor.
Dr. Michael Seipel, Faculty Mentor.

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Over 60% of Africa’s population is actively engaged in agriculture, yet most of the continent is plagued with hunger and starvation. This research used Ofuman Farm in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana to investigate what elements are necessary for the successful operation of commercial farms in rural Ghana and how these elements play a vital role in effective development of rural communities. Personal interviews with Mr. Ahima, the owner of Ofuman Farms, revealed that formal education, social networks that encompassed agricultural and governmental officials, and kin ties to the local community coupled with freedom from local social constraints were keys to the success of his commercial operation. However, lack of access to capital, high cost of capital, a devalued Ghanaian currency, and local social customs that may discourage commercial success are impediments to replicating this model of rural development.