가나산 참깨

History

Sesame farming in Ghana began expanding commercially in the 2000s, mainly in the northern savannah regions. Initially a minor crop, sesame has gained prominence as a drought-resistant cash crop that fits well into existing farming systems.

Production Regions

• Upper East Region: Principal production zone with sandy soils.
• Upper West Region: Expanding cultivation with high potential.
• Northern Region: Moderate production, suitable for expansion.
• Savannah Ecological Zone: Ideal for drought-tolerant crops like sesame.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Tropical savannah; hot and dry.
• Rainfall: 600 to 1,000 mm annually, mostly rainfed.
• Soil: Light, well-drained loamy and sandy soils.
• Planting Season: May to June, with the onset of rains.
• Harvest: August to October.

Harvesting Process

• Manual Cutting: Mature plants are hand-harvested and tied into bundles.
• Drying: Bundles are dried upright in the field for several days.
• Threshing: Manual beating to extract seeds.
• Cleaning & Sorting: Sieving, winnowing, and sun drying to reduce moisture.

Cultivation Methods

• Farm Size: Predominantly smallholder farms (0.5–2 hectares).
• Low Inputs: Minimal use of fertilizers or chemicals.
• Traditional Methods: Hand tools and basic equipment are commonly used.
• NGO Support: Training on improved seed, spacing, and drying techniques.

Supply Chain

• Flow: Farmers → Local Aggregators → Traders → Exporters.
• Exporters: Based in Accra and Tamale; many work with cooperatives.
• Export Routes: Via Tema Port and, to a lesser extent, overland through Burkina Faso.

Local Logistics

• Transport: Motorbikes, trucks, and donkey carts in rural zones.
• Storage: On-farm or in community sheds; issues with mold and pests common.
• Drying Infrastructure: Lacking; dependence on sun drying increases risk of contamination.

Regulations and Certifications

• Export Oversight: Ghana Export Promotion Authority and Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
• Testing Requirements: Moisture and aflatoxin levels checked before export.
• Certifications: Organic sesame promoted for European markets.

Quality Standards

• Purity: 98% or higher for premium export grades.
• Moisture: Target ≤8%.
• Grading: Based on seed uniformity, color, and cleanliness.

Trade Terms

• Exports (2023 est.): ~20,000–30,000 MT.
• HS Code: 120740.
• Key Buyers: China, Japan, Turkey, Germany, Netherlands.
• Pricing: Based on color, cleanliness, and organic certification.
• Payment Terms: Cash deals, spot contracts, and letters of credit.

Environmental Impact

• Sustainable Crop: Grown with minimal chemical inputs.
• Climate Resilience: Suitable for dryland zones; soil-friendly.
• Land Pressure: Minimal, but increasing land use may impact other crops.

Social Impact

• Livelihood Crop: Important income source for rural households.
• Gender Role: Women engaged in harvesting and post-harvest handling.
• Youth Participation: Growing interest in sesame as a market-oriented crop.

Uses

• Edible Uses: Whole seed used in bakery, tahini, confectionery.
• Oil Production: Cold-pressed and refined oil.
• Health Products: Incorporated into snack bars and supplements. 
• Byproducts: Seed cake used as animal feed.