Farmers perception and economic benefits of excreta use in southern Ghana

Soil degradation and the high cost of inorganic fertilizers have contributed to reduced crop yields and farm incomes which has further exacerbated poverty among farming households. The adoption of human excreta as nutrient and organic matter source in crop production is investigated. The paper examines cultural attitude and farmers' perception on its use. It also identifies the factors that influence its use, its economic benefits and the constraints. A stratified random sampling of farmers was employed in Manya Krobo district of Ghana, where excreta - specifically faecal sludge from unsewered public toilets 15 and septic tanks, is used in crop production. The data were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and the probit model. The result showed that there are no cultural and religious barriers to the use of excreta in crop cultivation. Farmers attested to the agronomic benefits of excreta, users of excreta make three times the net income of non-users. They attested that the use of excreta when treated does not contaminate crops. It is recommended that the use of excreta should be supported by making it available in the required quantity and quality. In addition, farmers need to be educated on precautionary measures to avoid health hazard. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.