College of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences

Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre - Kade

Overview

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The Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade (FOHCREC, Kade), is one of the three Research Centres which constitute the Institute of Agricultural Research of the College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences. The Centre was established in 1957 with a grant from the Cocoa Marketing Board to conduct research into forest and horticultural crops. FOHCREC, Kade with a total land area of 1090 hectares is located in the Kwaebibirim district in the Eastern Region of Ghana and is 123 km north-west of Accra. The location is 114m above sea level on latitude 6o.0854'N and longitude 0o.5400'W The principal crops under research include citrus, para rubber, avocado, cocoa, mango, cola, oil palm, rambutan, root and tuber crops, plantain, maize, vegetable crops, black pepper, aromatic and medicinal plants with an all-inclusive crop protection and management programme. FOHCREC also researches into sheep under plantation crops. Recently, FOHCREC has been selected as a demonstration centre under the Export and Quality Awareness Project (EMQAP) of the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA) to set up demonstrations plots for stakeholders in the horticulture industry.

The Centre offers opportunities for Faculty, Staff, Graduate and Undergraduate students of the College to undertake research and practical training. It also offers short courses for stakeholders in relevant areas of agriculture and practical farming. FOHCREC is also one of the centres for the Leventis Foundation Farmers Training Programme which trains young and potential farmers.

Vision: To develop into a reputable regional research Centre, leading in humid tropical and horticultural research, teaching and extension, and suitable agrosilvipastoral systems with emphasis on forest-based crops and livestock.

Mission: To develop sustainable agricultural production systems suitable for the humid tropical environment, through research, training and extension activities.

Objectives are to:

develop adaptable crop varieties for release to farmers through research
provide facilities for human resource development (capacity building for farmers, MOFA staff and other stakeholders)
develop appropriate pests and diseases management practices for the major crops under study (e.g. citrus, rice, mango)
develop improved technologies for the production of planting materials (e.g. mango, plantain, cocoyam, avocado, citrus, etc.)
establish close collaborative relationships with national and international institutions, NGOs and industries with similar objectives
develop efficient research information transfer services including extension and consultancy services
develop post-harvest technology for the major crops under study (e.g. Citrus, rice, mango)
develop sustainable livestock and agrosilvipastoral practices. (Agrosilvipastoral systems represent agro-forestry practices that allow greater diversity and sustainability of a cropping system. Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the main indicators of the sustainability of a cropping system, especially in tropical soils.)
establish large model commercial plantations (e.g. Citrus, oil palm)
develop Museum of forest crop varieties for Eco-tourism activities

The research focus areas of the Centre are as follows:

1) Production and Environmental Management

2) Crop Improvement and Conservation

3) Post-Harvest Technology

4) Crop Protection

5) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

6) Agribusiness and Systems Innovation

7) Integrated Crops and Animals

FOHCREC is manned by competent Research Fellows, Research Assistants and supporting staff with diverse research capabilities and conduct research in collaboration with researchers from national and international institutions.