Samuel Safo K. Allotey*, Fadilah Mohammed, Clement Yaw Lamptey
This study assesses the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt or dis-adopt improved maize varieties of the Northern region of Ghana, specifically in the Gushegu district and Yendi Municipal, both of which are known for extensive maize cultivation. Through cross-sectional study design, 400 maize farmers in the two districts were surveyed with interviews used to collect data from the sampled farmers. Descriptive statistics, particularly percentage and frequency, were used to analyse the adoption and dis-adoption of improved maize varieties data while the probit regression model was used to analyze factors influencing the adoption and dis adoption of improved maize varieties data. The study revealed that all farmers were aware of the existence of Obatanpa, Mamaba, Aburohemaa, Obaatan, Abontem and Pana improved maize varieties. Additionally, the study revealed that Obatanpa maize variety had the highest adoption rate of 100%, but it also experienced dis adoption at a rate of 86.5%. However, varieties like Golden Crystal, Bankyehemaa, Cidaba and Dodzi were neither adopted nor dis-adopted by farmers in the study area, due to its low yield and susceptibility to pest attacks. The study also revealed that respondent's gender, educational status, farm size, farming experience, credit access, labor availability, access to extension, perceived high yield and seed availability were significant predictors of the adoption of improved maize varieties. The study concluded that the high dis-adoption rates of Obatanpa, Mamaba, Aburohemaa and Panaa resulted from their inability to perform well under local climatic conditions, coupled with inadequate promotion by extension agents and contact farmers. The study recommends that the government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), should focus on promoting the benefits of less commonly used and abandoned maize varieties like Dadaba and educating farmers on how to sustain their adoption for longer periods.
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