For many years, groundnut farmers across Northern Ghana faced a crisis. Declining yields, foliar diseases, and poor market returns had eroded profits and discouraged production. Popular early-maturing varieties, though preferred for their short cycles, were highly susceptible to disease, producing only 0.4 to 0.8 tonnes per hectare. In some districts of the Upper East Region, groundnut farming was nearly abandoned altogether.
To tackle this challenge, researchers at the CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI), with funding support from ICRISAT through the Tropical Legumes II and Tropical Legumes III projects and the Peanut Mycotoxin Innovation Lab, developed Sarinut 2—a resilient, early-maturing groundnut variety bred for high yield and disease tolerance in Ghana’s savanna zones.
“Before, I harvested only 5 or 6 bags from my field per hectare. With Sarinut 2, I now harvest between 15 and 18 bags. The difference is unbelievable,” shares Iddrisu Mohammed, a farmer from Tolon District who adopted the variety.
Officially released in 2018 by the National Varietal Release and Registration Committee, Sarinut 2 has quickly become a farmer favorite. The variety yields 1.8 to 2.4 tonnes per hectare, resists foliar diseases, and matures early, making it perfectly suited to areas with erratic rainfall.
Beyond its productivity, Sarinut 2 has high protein content, enhancing its nutritional value for both households and processors. The variety also features an erect bunch growth habit, which simplifies harvesting, especially for women and youth farmers. This ease of harvest has significantly boosted Sarinut 2’s acceptance among female farmers, who traditionally manage much of the groundnut production in northern Ghana.
Sarinut 2’s promotion and widespread adoption have been further strengthened through the CSIR–SARI Agricultural Technology Park (ATP), established with support from CORAF under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) funded by the World Bank. The ATP serves as a dynamic platform for demonstrating and disseminating agricultural innovations, enabling farmers to see and adopt technologies like Sarinut 2 firsthand.
At the Park, CSIR–SARI distributed over 100 kilograms of Sarinut 2 seed packs to farmers from surrounding communities to promote on-farm trials and adoption. Among the beneficiaries was Afi Nantogma, a young farmer who received one of the seed packs.
“I planted the Sarinut 2 seeds I received from the Technology Park, and the results were amazing,” says Afi Nantogma. “The plants grew fast, the pods were full, and harvesting was easy. I will definitely grow it again next season”
“The Technology Park has become a hub for demonstrating innovations that work,” says Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR–SARI. “Thanks to CORAF’s support, we’re able to showcase varieties like Sarinut 2 to farmers and partners from across the region.”
Through the Park’s field days and learning events, hundreds of farmers have learned about Sarinut 2’s performance and adopted it on their farms. Processors such as Promas Ghana Limited, makers of Kivo Gari, have also recognized its value and incorporated it into their production chain due to its consistent quality and good kernel size.
“Sarinut 2 responds directly to farmers’ needs, high yield, early maturity, disease tolerance, and easy harvesting,” explains Dr. Richard Oteng Frimpong, the Groundnut Breeder at CSIR–SARI. “It’s a clear example of how farmer-focused research transforms livelihoods.”
Looking forward, CSIR–SARI aims to expand the production of early generation seed (EGS) and strengthen partnerships with local seed companies to ensure widespread seed availability. The Institute also advocates for the inclusion of groundnut seed in national subsidy programs, making certified seeds more affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers across Ghana.
Sarinut 2 stands today as a story of research, resilience, and renewed hope, a homegrown innovation empowering farmers, particularly women and youth, to reclaim the promise of groundnut farming in Northern Ghana.
About CSIR–SARI
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI), based in Nyankpala, Northern Ghana, develops and promotes agricultural technologies to improve productivity and livelihoods in the savanna zones.