Challenges and Prospects of Sericulture in Ghana: Review

Abstract

Diversifying economic practices to the growth of every local economy cannot be overstated. However, since its inception in 1992, sericulture development in Ghana has experienced an appreciable level of turbulence, which seems to have dwindled the prospects of the venture in the country. This study sought to review the impact of sericulture on some emerging economies and juxtapose it with the current state in Ghana. In view of this, an empirical review of the state and the impact of sericulture in India vis-a-vis what pertains to Ghana was done. As a result, it was found that sericulture production in emerging economies such as India has contributed significantly to creating employment, alleviating poverty, and propelling the country's economic growth. In contrast, in Ghana, sericulture has not developed as expected due to general neglect of the textile subsector by succeeding governments. Specific issues addressed in this review include the historical development and the current state of sericulture in Ghana, sericulture in some advanced and emerging economies, technological advancement in sericulture, the policy direction of sericulture in Ghana, challenges and prospects of sericulture production in Ghana.