Impact of rainfall onset date on crops yield in Ghana

Rainfall onset date (ROD) influences farmer planting decisions, yet there is a dearth of information on the extent to which ROD crop yield. This study assesses effect yield four crops (Maize, millet, rice, and sorghum) in Ghana. It uses yields from Ministry Food Agriculture (MoFA) Organization (FAO), employs Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) model simulate maize 1985 2004. The simulations were forced with weather data gridded Global Meteorological Forcing Dataset (GMFD). relationship between RODs three datasets (observed, satellite, GMFD) are studied. results show good correlation MoFA FAO (with coefficient (r) 0.97, 0.92, 0.77, 0.99 maize, sorghum, respectively). satellite observation feature high station (r = 0.72), but GMFD weak correlations < 0.3) both datasets. finds negative observed (i.e. an early corresponds yields) positive correspondence low yields). DSSAT reproduces pattern, substantial biases. findings this can be used advise small-holder farmers dates variety selection.