A SEED TO SPOON AGRITOURISM TRAIL IN GHANA'S VOLTA REGION
Groundnuts
Groundnut Farm Tour
Groundnut , or peanut (Arachis hypogaea), is a species in the legume or "bean" family (Fabaceae). The cultivated groundnut was probably first domesticated in the valleys of Peru and arrived in Ghana--then the Gold Coast--during the 16th century as a result of transatlantic trade. By the late 1600s, Dutch writer William Bosman reported "Angola Beans" being grown by Portuguese traders.
Today, groundnuts are the most widely cultivated legume in Ghana and Ghana is one of the top ten producers of groundnuts in Africa. They are incredibly important to Ghana, both economically and nutritionally. Common varieties grown in Ghana include Sarinut 1, Sarinut 2, Nkatiesari, and Yenyamoso.
Groundnuts are highly nutritious, containing healthy fats and protein, which helps combat malnutrition. They are rich in nutrients, providing over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients. Groundnuts are also a good source of niacin, folate, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese and phosphorus. They are naturally free of trans-fats and sodium, and contain about 25% protein (a higher proportion than in any true nut).
Groundnuts are a versatile food source and can be incorporated into various dishes such as Groundnut Soup, a popular stew made from groundnut paste, spices, and vegetables, often served with fufu or rice balls, and Gari Soakings. They are also taken as snacks, prepared in a variety of ways such as roasted, boiled, and as Graphic & Times, a combination of roasted groundnuts and popped corn.
What Will You Experience?
In the Volta Region, groundnut cultivation is driven by smallholder farmers who primarily use rain-fed systems with limited improved inputs. Local production of groundnuts is primarily for local consumption, and provides significant economic livelihoods through local, small-scale production. Groundnuts are both a major source of protein in the Ghanaian diet and a key cash crop. They are an important local subsistence crop and as well as key commercial income source.
This tour will cover the groundnut production cycle by visiting a peanut farm in Adaklu-Waya to learn about the groundnut growing cycle.
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Learn about cultivation, harvesting, drying, and storage.
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Experience the the process of shelling, as well as small-scale processing
Because of the seasonal nature of agriculture, some aspects of planting, harvesting, and production will be out of season; however, travelers may engage with growers and producers who are prepared to share their insider knowledge.
