**2.1 Types of vegetables grown in Ghana**

Ghana has a tropical climate and for that reason, most of the vegetables cultivated in Ghana are those that have a tropical origin. Notwithstanding, some subtropical and temperate vegetables that can thrive in tropical climates are also grown, although the yields are often lower compared to those grown in their ideal climates. Vegetables grown in Ghana can be classified as either exotic or local/traditional depending on their origin. The types of vegetables (both local and exotic) grown in a specific region in the country often depend on a number of factors including but not limited to the demand in that area and the suitability of the micro-climatic conditions for that specific vegetable crop. However, for most rural areas, the former factor is not a major consideration since in most cases the produce is transported to urban centers to be sold. In the case of those targeted for the export market, proximity to ports is a major factor in the choice of area for cultivation. Whereas some of the exotic and local vegetables are consumed by Ghanaians and expatriates, some of them are exported to generate foreign revenue for the country. In addition, some local vegetables are also exported. Major local vegetables cultivated in Ghana include tomato (*Solanum lypersicum*), pepper (*Capsicum annuum* – cayenne, chilli), scotch bonnet pepper (*Capsicum chinense*), onion (*Allium cepa*), shallot (*Allium cepa* var*. aggregatum*), garden eggs (*Solanum melongena*), and okra (*Abelmoschus esculentus*). Other vegetables that may be important in certain areas of the country but often classified as underutilized include leafy vegetables such as local spinach (*Amaranthus* spp), Jew's mallow (*Corchorus* spp), gboma (*Solanum macrocarpon*), sweet potato leaves (*Ipomea batatas*), cocoyam leaves (*Xanthosoma sagittifolium*), roselle (*Hibiscus sabdariffa*), among others.

Exotic vegetables grown in Ghana include cabbage (*Brassica oleracea* var. *capitata*), lettuce (*Lactuca sativa*), carrot (*Daucus carrota*), cucumber (*Cucumis sativus*), spring onion (*Allium fistulosum*), garlic (*Allium sativum*), cauliflower (*Brassica oleracea* var. *botrytis*), French beans (*Phaseolus vulgaris*), beetroot (*Beta vulgaris* subsp. *vulgaris* Conditiva), radish (*Raphanus sativus*), bell/sweet pepper (*Capsicum annuum*), squash (*Cucurbita* spp), and pumpkin (*Cucurbita* spp). Asian vegetables such as yard long bean (*Vigna unguiculata* subsp. *sesquipedalis*) and Chinese cabbage (*Brassica rapa* subsp. *pekinensis*) are also cultivated mostly for the export market.
