African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases

African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 4123-0981 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 143-148, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

A study of the relationship between food crop production and incidence of malaria in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana 

*Kwadwo K. Dumor, Komla Wood and Kwabena Chambas 

Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Valley View University, Oyibi, Ghana.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 14 April, 2015

Abstract

Malaria disease is a widespread problem in tropical countries. Recent publications have pointed to a correlation between enhanced agricultural activities and increasing prevalence of the disease. This paper therefore examined the relationship between food crop production and incidence of malaria in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Ninety-two percent of sampled respondents had reported malaria cases in the 2010 major season. Out of these reported cases, 53.3% were female farmers. Chi-square tests of independence showed statistically significant association between education and measures adopted to control malaria. Self – medication was observed among respondents in the face of malaria symptoms. During periods of malaria incapacitation, 90.2% of affected farmers refrained from farm work. This threatened household food security and resulted in reduction in farm revenue. Average seasonal losses attributable to malaria incidence was estimated at GH¢126 ($66.67). The study recommended that efforts should be focused on malaria education during the second and third quarters of the year when malaria incidence is most prevalent.

Key words: Malaria, incapacitation, Kendall’s coefficient, Ejisu-Juaben, Ghana.