The determinants of adoption and impact of improved maize varieties in the eastern region of Ghana

Bc. Eunice Ansah

Master's thesis

Development of agricultural innovation and information systems in Ghana

Abstract:

This study was aimed at examining the factors influencing the adoption of improved maize varieties (IMVs), constraints to production of improved varieties and evaluates profitability on smallholder maize farmers in the eastern region of Ghana. It also examines the level of awareness and identifies the various IMVs cultivated in the research area. Data was collected from 100 smallholder maize farmers selected from nine rural communities in and around the Nsawam-Adoagyire and New-Juaben districts (Kweku Tawiah, Jaadwira, Teshie, Bekoekrom and Akototse, Huhunya, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar, Asafo Akim and Asesewah). A semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed as analytical tools. The results indicated that the awareness of improved maize varieties was high (90%) as well as adoption. Generally, farmers preferred Obaatanpa open pollinated varieties (OPV) released in 1992 to other varieties. Results from the logistic regression model analysis of the survey data showed that age and extension services were significant and important factors that influenced the adoption of improved maize varieties. Ranking of constraints to production showed that drought was the most pressing constraint. Gross margin results indicated that, IMVs was profitable mean gross margin of 833.65 per hectare for men as against 410.61 for women. Policies aimed at enhancing farmers' access to credit, fertilizers should be put in place to enable farmers purchase necessary inputs and encourage adoption of IMV. Training on the recommended practices for cultivation of IMVs should be intensified and farmers should be more involved in on-farm field trials for new varieties on the use of improved seeds will reduce the problem of low yields and consequently improve income levels.

Abstract:

This study was aimed at examining the factors influencing the adoption of improved maize varieties (IMVs), constraints to production of improved varieties and evaluates profitability on smallholder maize farmers in the eastern region of Ghana. It also examines the level of awareness and identifies the various IMVs cultivated in the research area. Data was collected from 100 smallholder maize farmers selected from nine rural communities in and around the Nsawam-Adoagyire and New-Juaben districts (Kweku Tawiah, Jaadwira, Teshie, Bekoekrom and Akototse, Huhunya, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar, Asafo Akim and Asesewah). A semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed as analytical tools. The results indicated that the awareness of improved maize varieties was high (90%) as well as adoption. Generally, farmers preferred Obaatanpa open pollinated varieties (OPV) released in 1992 to other varieties. Results from the logistic regression model analysis of the survey data showed that age and extension services were significant and important factors that influenced the adoption of improved maize varieties. Ranking of constraints to production showed that drought was the most pressing constraint. Gross margin results indicated that, IMVs was profitable mean gross margin of 833.65 per hectare for men as against 410.61 for women. Policies aimed at enhancing farmers' access to credit, fertilizers should be put in place to enable farmers purchase necessary inputs and encourage adoption of IMV. Training on the recommended practices for cultivation of IMVs should be intensified and farmers should be more involved in on-farm field trials for new varieties on the use of improved seeds will reduce the problem of low yields and consequently improve income levels.

Keywords

Agricultural innovation, improved maize varieties, extension services, Ghana

Keywords

Agricultural innovation, Extension service, Improved maize varieties, Ghana

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 24. 4. 2015

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Alexander Kandakov, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / field:
Tropical Agriculture / International Development and Agricultural Economics