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

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.