Rice planting technologies and farm performance under different production systems in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bismark Amfo ◽  
Awal Abdul-Rahaman ◽  
Yakubu Balma Issaka
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Smallholder Farm ◽  
Farm Performance

PurposeThis paper examines the performance of smallholder rice farms established using improved planting technologies – broadcasting, dibbling and transplanting – under different production systems – rain-fed and irrigation – in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing recent cross-sectional data of 200 smallholder rice farmers from the upper east region of Ghana, this study employed multinomial logit model and descriptive and inferential statistics for the analysis.FindingsThe results revealed that rice production under irrigation system contributes significantly to increasing farm productivity and profitability. Rice farmers who adopted dibbling and transplanting technologies under both irrigation and rain-fed production system obtained higher productivity and profitability than those who used broadcasting technology. Adoption of improved rice planting technologies by smallholder farmers is significantly influenced by education, farm size, improved rice varieties, sales outlets, hired labour and percentage of paddy sold.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size is relatively small, even though findings are still very important in terms of policy formulation for improved smallholder farm performance in a developing country like Ghana.Practical implicationsThis study calls for collaborative efforts by government, donor agencies and NGOs to establish irrigation facilities and/or expand existing ones, increase sensitization and dissemination of improved planting technologies, as well as intensify the input subsidy programme in Ghana.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on farmers' choice of rice planting technologies under irrigation and rain-fed production systems, and how these technologies impact on smallholder farm performance in Ghana.

Farmer groups, collective marketing and smallholder farm performance in rural Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awal Abdul-Rahaman ◽  
Awudu Abdulai
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Group Formation ◽  
Switching Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Ghana ◽  
Smallholder Farm ◽  
Farmer Groups ◽  
Farm Performance

PurposeRapid transformation of agrifood value chains because of population growth, urbanization, rising consumer incomes and increased demand for food quality and safety has resulted in the need for smallholder farmers to coordinate horizontally through group formation and collective marketing to improve farm performance in developing countries. This paper aims to examine the factors that influence farmer group membership and collective marketing decisions and their impacts on smallholder farm performance in rural Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a recent survey of 447 rice farmers in rural Ghana, an endogenous switching regression model is employed to account for selection bias arising from both observable and unobservable farmer attributes.FindingsThe data reveal that group members and collective marketing participants obtained higher prices and also incurred lower input costs. The econometric estimates show that age, access to credit, mobile phone ownership, distance to market and road status are the main drivers of group membership and collective marketing decisions. The authors also find positive and significant impacts of farmer group membership and collective marketing on farm net revenues.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings from this study suggest that government and donor support for the formation of farmer groups during implementation of agriculture and value chain interventions should as well incorporate strategies to facilitate collective marketing.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the role farmer groups and collective marketing play in improving smallholder farm performance.

scholarly journals Musculoskeletal disorders among rice farmers in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 494-503
Author(s):  
Ekarat Sombatsawat ◽  
Titaporn Luangwilai ◽  
Parichat Ong-artborirak ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Body Regions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine factors influencing MSDs among rice farmers. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out among 156 rice farmers from 14 villages in Tarnlalord sub-district, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, from February 2017 to March 2017. Face-to-face interviews, including demographics, work characteristics and musculoskeletal pain, were conducted using a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire. Findings The results revealed that both 78 males and 78 females participated in the study to which the average of age and body mass index (BMI) was 45.5±11.4 years and 24.9±4.0 kg/m2, respectively. All rice farmers reported MSDs in at least one body region during the six months preceding the interview. The highest prevalence of MSDs showed 86.5 percent in the lower back area, followed by 85.9 percent in the neck, and 80.7 percent in the shoulders. The analysis of binary logistic regression and Spearman’s rank correlation showed that factors such as gender, age, BMI, work experience and farm size influence MSDs’ occurrence, and pain severity in one or more body regions (p < 0.05). Originality/value Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant health problem in rice farmers. The study indicated that appropriate agricultural practices such as working posture, equipment size selection and carrying loads should be recommended to prevent MSDs. Thus, the occupational health and safety services in agricultural workers are needed.

Adoption of improved rice varieties by farmers in Bende local government area of Abia state

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-215
Author(s):  
JC Ijioma ◽  
CK Osundu
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
State Government ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
Rice Farmers

The study investigated the adoption of improved rice varieties by farmers in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 rice farmers. Descriptive statistics and tobit regression model were employed to analyze the data. Results showed that cumulatively 73.3% of the farmers fell within the age range of 20-50 years, most (86.7%) of the rice farmers were literate. More than half (57.5%) of the rice farmers are females. Result further indicated that 43.3% had household sizes of 5-8 persons. A fair proportion (33.3%) had been in rice production for 11-15 years, while majority (73.3%) belongs to farmers’ associations. Fairly good (51.6%) were aware of the improved rice varieties and used it, while a substantial number (93.3%) number of the farmers cultivated swamp rice. MAS 240 variety (mean=3.13), Faro 7 variety (mean=2.95), Faro II variety (mean=2.75), Faro 8 variety (mean=2.70.) and Faro 48 variety (mean=2.68) were highly adopted by farmers in the area. The Chi square value of 7.290 was significant at 1.0% probability level and indicates goodness of fit of the model used. Coefficient of age (-0.023), and gender (-1.967) were negative and significant at 10.0% and 1.0% level of probability respectively. The coefficient of education level (0.041), farm size (0.940), farming experience (0.206) and membership of farmers’ association (0.168) were significant at 5.0% and were positively related to adoption of improved rice varieties. Farmers encountered various problems of paucity of funds (35.8%), scarcity of inputs (22.5%), and dearth of information (20.89). Based on these findings it was recommended that rice farmers should form cooperative societies to enable them raise funds for buying agricultural equipment to boost rice production. More young male farmers should be sensitized and motivated by the state government to take up rice production since female farmers dominate rice production in the area. Extension agencies should increase the level of information dissemination and teaching to the rice farmers’ clientele.Key words: Adoption, Improved Varieties, Rice

Does contract farming improve rice farmers' food security? Empirical evidence from Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuben Jagri Binpori ◽  
Dadson Awunyo-Vitor ◽  
Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Contract Farming ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIn order to improve access to resources for smallholder farmers, efforts are being made to promote contract farming in Ghana. This is seen as a strategy to increase agricultural productivity of farmers, give better market access and guarantee adequate supply of raw materials to agro-based industries. However, the challenge is whether contract farming leads to improvement in food security status of farmers. The study therefore seeks to explore to what extent farmers' food security status is influenced by their participation in contract farming activities.Design/methodology/approachUsing Cragg's double-hurdle model to analyse participation in contract farming, the authors control for selection bias using propensity score matching applied to a data set of 336 observations to examine the impact of contract farming on the food security levels of rice farmers in Ghana.FindingsThe results of this study show that yield of paddy and the wealth of the farmer are the main factors that influence the quantity of paddy rice to be contracted in contract farming arrangements. This study also finds that participation in contract farming will increase food security by 109%. In conclusion, contract farming has a significant positive impact on the farmers' food security status.Originality/valueAgricultural policies and rural development initiatives supporting the promotion and expansion of contract farming should be pursued to persuade more farmers to produce under contract farming agreements.

Participation in farmers' organization and production efficiency: empirical evidence from smallholder farmers in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subir Bairagi ◽  
Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb
Keyword(s):  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Rice Yield ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Stochastic Production Frontier ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
The Impact

PurposeFarmer organizations (FOs) can elevate many of the production- and marketing-related challenges by ensuring access to technology, farming information and loan for inputs and mechanization. This study assesses the major factors that affect the participation in FOs by the smallholder rice farmers in Bangladesh and evaluates the impacts of the participation on rice yield and production efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe present study used primary data collected from 1,000 smallholder rice farmers in northwest Bangladesh, consisting of 250 farmers those participated in an organization. This study utilized a sample selection stochastic production frontier (SPF) method, a combination of the conventional SPF and the Heckman's sample selection model, to control for biases stemming from observed and unobserved attributes.FindingsThis study demonstrates that participation in an organization is significantly affected by smallholder rice farmers' education, occupation, family size, household income, land ownership and the location where they reside. At the same time, the participation status affects the productivity of smallholder farmers. Findings indicate that farmers who participated in an organization had higher rice yield (11% more) and were technically more efficient (1.4 percentage points higher) compared to farmers who did not participate.Research limitations/implicationsSince this study was carried out with representative sampled farmers from northwest Bangladesh, the findings may not represent all farmers' perceptions of FOs in the country.Originality/valueEven though more than 200,000 FOs are currently in operation, knowledge regarding the effectiveness of Bangladesh's FOs is limited. Notably, this study used a relatively new method, sample selection SPF model, to investigate the impact of FOs on the production efficiency of smallholder rice farmers in northwest Bangladesh. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature in elucidating the factors affecting participation in FOs and its impact on rice yield and efficiency. Since FOs have been somewhat ineffective in their role as service providers in Bangladesh, this study’s results will guide policymakers to intervene more successfully regarding the changes needed.

Rice farm income diversification in Ghana and implications on household consumption expenditure

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bismark Amfo ◽  
James Osei Mensah ◽  
Ernest Baba Ali ◽  
Gilbert Dagunga ◽  
Seth Etuah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Consumption Expenditure ◽  
Income Diversification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Farmers

PurposeThis study investigates implications of crop and income diversifications on consumption expenditure (welfare) of rice-producing households in Ghana. It further compares diversification by three rice production systems: two-season rain-fed, two-season irrigated and one-season rain-fed rice production.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were sourced from 225 rice farmers. Margalef index and three-stage least-squares were employed.FindingsMajority of rice-farming households in Ghana diversify livelihoods. The extent of livelihood diversification differs among two-season rain-fed, two-season irrigated and one-season rain-fed rice-producing households. Credit, distance to district capitals, production purpose and number of farming seasons influence crop and income diversifications, and consumption expenditure of rice-producing households. While crop diversification reduces consumption expenditure, income diversification increases it. Crop and income diversifications positively influence each other. Consumption expenditure reduces crop diversification but increases income diversification.Practical implicationsPolicy should be directed towards the promotion of more livelihood activities to boost rice farmers' welfare. There should be awareness creation and training programmes to enable rice farmers realize different economic activities within and outside the agricultural value chain.Originality/valueCrop and income diversifications were measured as continuous response variables, unlike previous studies that used a binary response variable. The authors established a synergy among crop and income diversifications, and consumption expenditure (welfare). The authors further compared crop and income diversifications by three rice production systems: two-season rain-fed, two-season irrigated and one-season rain-fed rice production systems.

Climate change perception and choice of adaptation strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wondimagegn Tesfaye ◽  
Lemma Seifu
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its adverse effects, identify major adaptation strategies used by farmers and analyze the factors that influence the choice of adaptation strategy by smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach – The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 296 sample households selected from three districts in east Ethiopia. Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and review of literature, documents and databases. Findings – The study provides empirical evidence that majority of farmers in the study area are aware of climate change patterns and their adverse effect on income, food security, diversity, forest resources, food prices and crop and livestock diseases. In response to these adverse effects, major adaptation strategies used by farmers include cultivating different crops, planting different crop varieties, changing planting dates, use of soil and water conservation techniques, conservation agriculture practices and engaging in non-farm income activities. Choice of adaptation strategies are influenced by gender of household head, household size, farm size, distance from market and number of farm plots. Practical implications – The study suggests that developing more effective climate change adaptation strategies need support from the government. Such an effort needs provision of the necessary resources such as credit, information and extension services on climate change adaptation strategies and technologies, and investing in climate smart and resilient projects. Originality/value – The study adopts multivariate probit model that models farmers’ simultaneous adaptation choice behavior which has been rarely addressed by previous researches.

scholarly journals Rice farmers’ technical efficiency under abiotic stresses in Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 219-232
Author(s):  
Md. Abu Bakr Siddique ◽  
Md. Abdur Rouf Sarkar ◽  
Mohammad Chhiddikur Rahman ◽  
Afroza Chowdhury ◽  
Md Shajedur Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Positive Margin ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
Benefit Cost Analysis ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Stress Environments ◽  
Cash Cost ◽  
Benefit Cost

This study was an attempt to investigate the economic performance of stress tolerant rice varieties in different abiotic stress prone areas (submergence, drought, and salinity) of Bangladesh. The study used production frontier approach to measure the technical efficiency at the farm level. Benefit-cost analysis revealed that farmers in all stress environments obtained positive margin on cash cost basis and the profit became negative on full cost basis in all environments with exception for submergence. That means rice production was marginally benefited to farmers in all the stress environments. Farm specific technical efficiency of all stress environments indicated that large farmers were comparatively more efficient due to their economic solvency as they could apply adequate amount of inputs in due time with proper doses. Inefficiency model indicated that farm size, farmers ‘education, households’ size, farming experience, extension contact, and main occupation of the farmers, were the important factors causing variations in the efficiency. However, BRRI released stress tolerant rice varieties had significant positive impact on technical efficiency. Plausible policies have been recommended according to the study outcomes.

Participation in farmer organizations and adoption of farming technologies among rice farmers in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwabena Nyarko Addai ◽  
Omphile Temoso ◽  
John N. Ng'ombe
Keyword(s):  
Selection Bias ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Farmer Organizations ◽  
Agricultural Innovations ◽  
Farmer Organization

PurposeThe authors examine the factors influencing membership in farmer organizations (FO) and their effects on the decision to adopt farm technologies by rice farmers in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a farm survey of 900 households from Northern Ghana and a recursive bivariate probit (RBP) model that accounts for selection bias and endogeneity.FindingsThe results indicate that the household head’s decision to adopt machinery and row planting increases by 38.4 and 25.3%, respectively, upon joining a farmer organization. Membership in farmer organization is positively influenced by off-farm income, asset value, farmer organization location and farmer location in Upper West region but negatively by males, age and total livestock units owned. Machinery adoption is positively influenced by membership in farmer organizations and respondent being male but negatively influenced by the years of schooling, farm size, farm distance and location of a farmer in Ghana's Upper East and West regions. Similarly, row planting adoption is positively influenced by membership in farmers' organization but adversely by farm size, farm distance and a farmer's location in Upper East region of Ghana.Research limitations/implicationsIt can be concluded that membership in farmers' organizations significantly impacts farm household head’s decision to adopt machinery and row planting in rice production, which potentially enhance crop productivity.Practical implicationsThese results show the importance of agricultural stakeholders in encouraging the formation and strengthening of farmer organizations to support the adoption of modern farming technologies.Originality/valueDeveloping literature has demonstrated that farmer organizations promote the adoption of agricultural innovations. However, most of these studies have concentrated on conventional agricultural innovations and have used methods that fail to account for potential selection bias. This paper fills this important gap.

scholarly journals Assessment of risk premium in farm technology adoption as a climate change adaptation strategy in the dryland systems of India

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 689-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Reddy Kakumanu ◽  
Palanisami Kuppanan ◽  
C.R. Ranganathan ◽  
Kumar Shalander ◽  
Haileslassie Amare
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Risk Premium ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Supplemental Irrigation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Farm Mechanization

Purpose Changing climate has increasingly become a challenge for smallholder farmers. Identification of technical, institutional and policy interventions as coping and adaptation strategies and exploring risks of their adoption for smallholder farms are the important areas to consider. The aim of the present study was to carry out an in-depth analysis of adaptation strategies followed and the associated risk premium in technology adoption. Design/methodology/approach The study was carried out in the dryland systems of three Indian states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan – and was based on a survey of 1,019 households in 2013. The flexible moment-based approach was used for estimating the stochastic production function, which allowed estimation of the relative risk premium that farmers are willing to pay while adopting the technologies to avoid crop production risks. Findings In all the three states, the risk premium (INR ha−1) was higher for farm mechanization compared to supplemental irrigation, except in the case of Andhra Pradesh. The higher the level of technology adoption, the higher the risk premium that households have to pay. This can be estimated by the higher investment needed to build infrastructure for farm mechanization and supplemental irrigation in the regions. The key determinants of technology adoption in the context of smallholder farmers were climatic shocks, investment in farm infrastructure, location of the farm, farm size, household health status, level of education, married years, expected profit and livestock ownership. Originality/value Quantification of the risk premium in technology adoption and conducting associated awareness programs for farmers and decision-makers are important to strengthen evidence-based adoption decisions in the dryland systems of India.

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