ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Farmer participation in selection within segregating populations of cowpea in Volta Region, Ghana

Background Participatory plant breeding leads to early adoption of a newly released variety as farmers would be aware of whatever advantage it might have over prior existing ones as early as possible. Cowpea farmers around Ohawu in the Volta Region of Ghana where the crop is one of the most important cash crops had no variety specifically developed for their environment. This research followed farmers’ interest identified earlier for the development of varieties with preferred consumer traits. Methods Farmers were chosen from 25 communities within the cowpea growing area by the help of agricultural extension officers. Fifty farmers including 25 males and females each, 7 scientists and 15 other persons with different backgrounds were involved in the selection exercise. The final plants selected were based on the total number of participants’ endorsement and analysis of variance for their seed size. Results Selections were made from six F3 populations with parents of various unique traits obtained from Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, or United States of America. Four most liked cowpea plants from each of the six populations were selected to be advanced and tried in multi-locations towards probable release. Conclusions Participants were very enthused with the selection exercise hoping of seeing some of their selections resulting into varieties. Farmers were interested in selecting plants with long multiple pods and early maturing. The exercise was educative for all participants.

Source: UG
Farmer participation in selection within segregating populations of cowpea in Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract Background Participatory plant breeding leads to early adoption of a newly released variety as farmers would be aware of whatever advantage it might have over prior existing ones as early as possible. Cowpea farmers around Ohawu in the Volta Region of Ghana where the crop is one of the most important cash crops had no variety specifically developed for their environment. This research followed farmers’ interest identified earlier for the development of varieties with preferred consumer traits. Methods Farmers were chosen from 25 communities within the cowpea growing area by the help of agricultural extension officers. Fifty farmers including 25 males and females each, 7 scientists and 15 other persons with different backgrounds were involved in the selection exercise. The final plants selected were based on the total number of participants’ endorsement and analysis of variance for their seed size. Results Selections were made from six F3 populations with parents of various unique traits obtained from Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, or United States of America. Four most liked cowpea plants from each of the six populations were selected to be advanced and tried in multi-locations towards probable release. Conclusions Participants were very enthused with the selection exercise hoping of seeing some of their selections resulting into varieties. Farmers were interested in selecting plants with long multiple pods and early maturing. The exercise was educative for all participants.

Source: UG
Farmer Preference, Utilization, and Biochemical Composition of Improved Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties in Southeastern Africa

Farmer Preference, Utilization, and Biochemical Composition of Improved Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties in Southeastern Africa: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties are ethnobotanically classified by farmers into two distinct classes—“sweet” or “bitter”—based on their taste, most often reflecting the inherent cyanogenic glucoside potential and intended end use. Varietal preference based on general utilization as well as more targeted end use for preferred local and improved varieties is poorly understood and not well documented. The objectives of this study were to investigate prevailing varietal preferences based on utilization and the biochemical composition of local and recently improved cassava varieties. Interviews were conducted with farmers to document the existing varieties, their origin and taste classification, and processing in relation to end use. Biochemical composition was determined for flour samples with particular emphasis on color and perceived dryness. Of the nine varieties identified, four were classified as local, while the rest were classified as improved varieties. Two varieties were classified as bitter, and the rest were classified as sweet based on end use. The classification dichotomy based on taste is an important factor in determining potential toxicity. Labile varieties that are easily affected by microenvironmental factors were classified as bitter. Reasons for preference and utilization focus as much on the leaves for use as vegetables as on the roots. The taste classification of the roots determines how and whether they are to be processed. The varieties “Mweulu” and “Tanganyika” were perceived by farmers as having excellent characteristics for making the staple dish “nshima,” reflected by their high carbohydrate contents. The variety “Bangweulu” was identified as having “bigger and starchier” roots in interviews, and the biochemical assay verified these observations. The flour sample analysis revealed crude protein content ranged from 4.86% to 7.09%. Cluster and principal component analyses showed four groupings, with the single Malawian variety exhibiting the greatest differences from the Zambian clones, while the improved varieties bred from a single mother line displayed the closest similarities. The high energy and carbohydrate values of the nine varieties provide a good basis for acceptance; however, factors such as shelf life, storage, and other postharvest qualities such as susceptibility to weevil attacks also play a determining role in the acceptance of improved cassava varieties. © 2015, The New York Botanical Garden.

Source: UG
Farmers perception and adaptation to climate change: An estimation of willingness to pay

This paper assesses farmers' perception and adaptation to climate change to enhance policy towards tackling the challenges climate change poses to the farmers in Ghana. With regards to farmers' perception and methods of adaptation, majority of the farmers perceived increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall pattern. Farmers' level of adaptation was found to be relatively high with majority of the farmers using changing planting dates, different crop varieties, soil conservation and water harvesting as the major adaptation measures to climate change impacts. However, access to water, high cost of adaptation, lack of information, lack of knowledge on adaptation, insecure property rights, insufficient access to inputs and lack of credits were identified as the major barriers to adaptation. The probit regression estimation results indicated that the probability of willingness to pay for climate change mitigation policies increases with age, years of education and ownership of farm land.

Source: UG
Farmers’ behaviour in relation to dynamics in contracts: The case of cassava farmers in Ghana

In this study we examine the dynamics of farmers’ contract choice in the major and the minor season. Cassava farmers in the Awutu/Effutu/Senya district of the central region of Ghana were examined using a multinomial logit model and we obtained the following results. For the major season; the joint effect of credit and FBO accessibility has shown to positively influence the choice of mixed share contract when the incentive parameter are 20% (by a probability of 115.2) and 80% (by a probability of 31.8). Similarly, the joint effect of household position and marital status positively influence the decision to choose mixed share contract when the incentive parameter is 50% (by a probability of 6.2). Furthermore, farm size (proxy variable for farm income) positively influences the choice of mixed share contract when the incentive parameters are 50% (by a probability of 0.9) and 80% (by a probability of 1.2). Hence it can be deduced that farmers who fit the above characteristics are more risk seeking and likely to embark on a mixed share contract than fixed contract in the major season. On the contrary; the joint effect of household size and size of family labour, and education are reported to negatively influence the choice of contract model when the incentive parameter is 20% by a probability of 5.4 and 38.2 respectively. For the minor season; gender, education, Household position*Marital status, and Household size*Household labour size positively influence the choice of mixed share contracts. The extent of influence (probabilities) are reported as 2.9 for gender (when α=20%); 4.8 and 4.0 for education (when α=20% and 80% respectively); 3.6 and 4.1 for Household position*Marital status (when α=20% and 80% respectively); 138.2 for FBO member*Access to credit (when α=50%); 0.2 for Household size*Size of family labour (when α=20% and 80% respectively). On the contrary; age, education, farm size and FBO member*Access to credit have been reported to have a negative association with the decision to embark on mixed share contracts. The extent of influence reported are 0.3 for age (when α=20% and 80% respectively); 42 for education (when α=50%); 6.8 for FBO member*Access to credit (when α=20%); 6.4 for Household size*Size of family labour (when α=50%).These results have implications for contract design and implementation in food supply chains.

Source: UG
Farmers’ innovativeness and positive affirmation as main drivers of adoption of soil fertility management practices – evidence across sites in Africa

Purpose: Declining soil fertility is worrying in sub-Saharan Africa. Various technologies serve to mitigate or rebuild soil fertility, but Uptake by farmers, especially smallholders, is low. The study addresses this adoption problem in a novel way, assessing Empirically, many factors from various domains (economic, socio-demographic, individual, institutional, networks and information) sources) to identify what drives adoption. Design/Methodology/Approach: The panel study used data from baseline and endline surveys with 1870 smallholders in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, and Zambia. Quantitative data were analysed simultaneously via logistic regression, complemented by qualitative interviews. The study demonstrates the advantage of panel studies. as they can measure changes in practice or in farmers’ attitudes. Findings: Individual factors, for example, innovativeness, perception about soil fertility and correct knowledge, have the biggest influence on adoption. Socio-demographic and economic factors, by Contrast plays hardly any role, as do individual information sources. Practical implications: Future research should focus on in-depth studies of individual factors, e.g. innovativeness and knowledge, and on the information environment of farmers. Communication efforts must primarily target innovative farmers, ensure high quality, address competing messages and communicate through many different channels. Theoretical implications: The importance of ‘intrinsic’ factors that have previously been overlooked in adoption studies in SSA becomes clear. Originality/Value: The study is one of very few that empirically assesses a wide range of independent variables to identify the drivers of adoption. It reports not only significance but also effect sizes.

Source: UG
Farmers’ knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide use in cocoa farming in Ghana

ABSTRACT Although evidence of the limiting role of pollination in cocoa production is mounting, concern about the potential harm of insecticides to pollinators is also increasing. However, effort at examining farmer knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide use aimed at promoting cocoa pollination is limited. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide usage in four cocoa-growing communities (two organic and two conventional) in the Eastern region of Ghana. Data from interviewing cocoa farmers (200) with a structured questionnaire were analysed using various statistical techniques. Less than 50% of the farmers had knowledge of pollination and its influence on yield. Only 1% of the respondents identified midges as pollinators of cocoa, while 11% and 19.5% identified honey bees and ants as pollinator agents, respectively. Less than 50% of respondents believed insecticide application might impact on beneficial insects, including pollinators. Farmers’ responses were highly influenced by farming system, educational background, farmer groups and extension officers. Our findings show that educating smallholder farmers on pollination and judicious insecticide use is crucial in improving long-term cocoa yields. These findings have implications for pest management policies and farmer sensitization on the impact of indiscriminate insecticide application on the environment and pollinators.

Source: UG
Farmers’ maladaptation

Adaptation has become crucial in developing economies due to climate change impact, especially on agriculture, which is the backbone of many economies and the main source of livelihoods and food security. Some adaptation strategies applied in the context of developing countries, however, produce maladaptive outcomes, which are usually ignored in the planning phase of adaptation policies and programmes. This mixed methods study therefore explores adaptation strategies and the associated maladaptation outcomes of smallholder farmers in rural Ghana. The study administered questionnaire survey to 378 farmers and 41 key informants were interviewed. The major adaptation strategies of farmers included crop and livelihood diversification, agrochemicals application, and reduction in the number and size of meals. However, farmers’ adaptation strategies result in maladaptation outcomes through the release of greenhouse gases, environmental degradation, and contamination of water bodies as well as resource conflicts and increasing pressure on lands, among others, which affect their capacity to respond to future climate change. Adaptation policy makers and development practitioners should prioritize the minimization of maladaptation outcomes through intensive review and modification of programmes prior to their implementation and extensive education on best practices among smallholder farmers.

Source: UG
Farmers’ maladaptation: Eroding sustainable development, rebounding and shifting vulnerability in smallholder agriculture system

Adaptation has become crucial in developing economies due to climate change impact, especially on agriculture, which is the backbone of many economies and the main source of livelihoods and food security. Some adaptation strategies applied in the context of developing countries, however, produce maladaptive outcomes, which are usually ignored in the planning phase of adaptation policies and programmes. This mixed methods study therefore explores adaptation strategies and the associated maladaptation outcomes of smallholder farmers in rural Ghana. The study administered questionnaire survey to 378 farmers and 41 key informants were interviewed. The major adaptation strategies of farmers included crop and livelihood diversification, agrochemi cals application, and reduction in the number and size of meals. However, farmers’ adaptation strategies result in maladaptation outcomes through the release of greenhouse gases, environ mental degradation, and contamination of water bodies as well as resource conflicts and increasing pressure on lands, among others, which affect their capacity to respond to future climate change. Adaptation policy makers and development practitioners should prioritize the minimization of maladaptation outcomes through intensive review and modification of pro grammes prior to their implementation and extensive education on best practices among small holder farmers.

Source: UG
Farmers’ perception and adaptation to climate change: a case study of Sekyedumase district in Ghana

Climate change is projected to have serious environmental, economic, and social impacts on Ghana, particularly on rural farmers whose livelihoods depend largely on rainfall. The extent of these impacts depends largely on awareness and the level of adaptation in response to climate change. This study examines the perception of farmers in Sekyedumase district of Ashanti region of Ghana on climate change and analyzes farmers’ adaptation responses to climate change. A hundred and eighty farming households were interviewed in February and October 2009. Results showed that about 92% of the respondents perceived increases in temperature, while 87% perceived decrease in precipitation over the years. The major adaptation strategies identified included crop diversification, planting of short season varieties, change in crops species, and a shift in planting date, among others. Results of logit regression analysis indicated that the access to extension services, credit, soil fertility, and land tenure are the four most important factors that influence farmers’ perception and adaptation. The main barriers included lack of information on adaptation strategies, poverty, and lack of information about weather. Even though the communities are highly aware of climate issues, only 44.4% of farmers have adjusted their farming practices to reduce the impacts of increasing temperature and 40.6% to decreasing precipitation, giving lack of funds as the main barrier to implementing adaptation measure. Implications for policymaking will be to make credit facilities more flexible, to invest in training more extension officers and more education on climate change and adaptation strategies.

Source: UG
Farmers’ perception on soil erosion in Ghana: Implication for developing sustainable soil management strategy

Farmers’ perception on soil erosion has not adequately reported in the conditions of Ghana though its causes and effects are time and site-specific. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception on soil erosion and implication for developing soil management strategy in the Eastern and Northern Regions of Ghana. A total of 130 household head farmers were interviewed and complemented with field observation and group. Data was analyzed using descriptive, chi-square test, T-test and binary logistic regression. The results show that there was significant variation in socioeconomic, farm and institutional attributes among the farmers‘in the study regions. In the Eastern and Northern Regions, significantly higher proportions of the farmers (95.7% and 86.7%, respectively) perceived soil erosion as serious problem. Significantly higher proportions of the respondents (80%) perceived severe erosion problem at homestead land in the Eastern Region whereas severe erosion in the Northern Region was more noticed at distance farmlands (85.0%). In the two regions, the major causes of severe erosion as perceived by most farmers were over-cultivation, deforestation and heavy rainfall events. In the Eastern and Northern Regions, 58.6% and 75.0% of the farmers perceived, respectively, that soil erosion severity has been increased since the past 10-years. Perceptions of most frequently noted indicators of soil erosion were declined productivity, shallow soil depth, presence of rills, sheet erosion, soil loss from farmland, and change in soil color. Results of the binary logistic regression indicate that there is heterogeneity in the factors accounting for the perception of soil fertility. In developing promising soil management strategy in the study area, attention must be given to key socioeconomic, biophysical, farm and institutional factors.

Source: UG
Farmers‘ perceptions of constraints to plantain production in Ghana

Plantain (Musa AAB), a primary food crop in Ghana, is a key component in sustainable agricultural systems in high rainfall zones. Recently, there has been a substantial yield decline and reduction in plantation life. To elucidate the context in which intervention strategies should be developed, a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted at five villages in the major plantain-producing belt of Ghana. The importance of plantain as a preferred food was confirmed, although farmers tended to sell plantain for cash income, using cheaper, less preferred alternatives for home consumption. Farmers identified decreasing soil fertility, the high cost of labour for weeding, pests and diseases, lack of good quality planting material and marketing-related issues as the major production constraints. Due to declining productivity in less fertile regions, plantain has been replaced with other food crops such as cassava and maize. Farmers overestimated the importance of insect pests but were unaware of the extensive damage that could be caused by nematodes and the foliar disease, black sigatoka. They observed, however, that pest damage is more severe when soil fertility is poor. Clearly, integrated pest management is likely to be most effective when practiced within the context of cropping systems management; sustainable strategies that are being developed for resource-limited plantain farmers in Ghana are discussed. © 2000 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UG
Farmers’ perceptions of irrigation and constraints on rice production in Benin: a stakeholder-consultation approach

This article examines rice farmers’ perceptions of irrigation and constraints on rice production in the municipality of Malanville, Benin. Farmers’ positive perceptions of irrigation include the use of irrigation for insurance against drought, crop yield improvement, higher income, food security and poverty reduction. Analysis of constraints reveals that farmers face major constraints such as lack of agricultural credit, poor access to production inputs, inadequate knowledge of water resources management, poor access to agricultural information and markets, and flooding of fields. Specific constraints in the irrigation scheme of Malanville include the high cost of irrigation and unavailability of water.

Source: UG
Farmers’ Perceptions of the Quality of Extension Services Provided by Non-governmental Organisations in Two Municipalities in the Central Region of Ghana

Since independence in 1957, the provision of major support services for farmers such as physical infrastructure and research services for the agricultural sector in Ghana has been the preserve of the government. However, with respect to agricultural credit, extension and marketing services, there has been a mix of both public and private sector participation with public services declining in quantity over the period of structural adjustment programmes in the country beginning in 1983–2006. Over this 24-year period, government involvement in extension delivery to farmers declined. Since 2007 the level of government support for the agricultural sector has increased considerably with government support for investment in agriculture outpacing its recurrent expenditures for the sector. The decline of government extension delivery led to an increased role for not-for-profit organizations such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in supporting farmers. We assessed the quality of extension services provided by four NGOs in two municipalities of the Central Region of Ghana: Mfantseman and Komenda–Edina–Eguafo–Abrem (KEAA). The study was based on random sampling of farmers with the gender used as the key attribute in the choice of the optimal random sample. Beneficiary farmers assessed six main services provided by NGOs, namely information support, input supply, training, technology transfer, credit and monitoring and evaluation of extension activities. Farmers generally perceived the services to be relevant to their operations. However, they had mixed opinions concerning the services with respect to their adequacy, availability and their timeliness of supply. Monitoring and evaluation of extension activities by NGOs was generally acceptable

Source: UG