Adoption impact of maize seed technology on farm profitability: evidence from Ghana

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to examine impact of adopted maize seed technology on farm profitability. It assesses both the revenue and cost implication of the adopted technology on farmers' welfare. The study aims to expand the domain of farm investment assessment analysis by including a broader range of production outcome indicators than is normally found in the adoption impact on farm profitability literature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an empirical study using field survey data. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 400 maize farmers across four regions of Ghana. The survey was complemented with focus group discussions in each region with participants representing male and female farmers cultivating maize on a commercial basis. The data captured detail household level (i.e. demographic and socioeconomic characteristics) as well as farm-level information on maize production (i.e. input use and farm output).FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights about maize farmers' perception on the adopted maize seed technology and the factors influencing adoption. It also shed light on the fact that maize farmers do not base their adoption decisions solely on farm output and revenue indicators alone, but mainly on the return on their investment and the cost associated with the maize seed technology adopted.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of data limitation, the influence of some important actors (market power) could not be directly captured in the analysis; this may lead to over simplification of a very complex situation in the maize sector. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to future investigate the influence of such important phenomenon on farm profitability.Social implicationsImproving maize productivity and farm profitability across the sectors is important in order to improve farmer income. This study, therefore, highlights the effect of adopted seed technology and its impact on farm profitability.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study how investment cost in maize seed technology affect farm profitability.

Soil-Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe

“…Such impacts may also contribute to the conservation of bio wildlife, which may in turn positively influence soil quality. [62][63][64][65][66] influenced by the choice of cropping system and its management and pa that farmers (in Europe) cannot typically control, such as global markets an A key aspect of profitability is production costs, as farmers have more co aspect than over the prices they get for their products. Different cropping sy different types and levels of inputs (e.g., [67]) with different costs.…”

“…In line with th Strategy [70] on achieving smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, boostin is not only about reducing production costs, or increasing productivity, b more sustainable agriculture and the transformation of the food market t quality products. Smarter and greener agriculture also has the potential to more circular bioeconomy and increase the value of agricultural prod Profitability is a key factor influencing the adoption of SICS [62][63][64][65][66] that is partly influenced by the choice of cropping system and its management and partly by factors that farmers (in Europe) cannot typically control, such as global markets and policies [53].…”

Understanding the process of agricultural entrepreneurship: perspective from strategic movements and entrepreneurial families

“…With regard to intensification, it is an approach that builds competitive advantages on the basis of engineering and technology to improve efficiency (Hurwitz et al , 2015; Morone, 1989). The adoption of improved varieties and crop management practices, the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers, protected agriculture and the use of agricultural machinery are forms of intensification (Mottaleb et al , 2016; Wairegi et al , 2018; Mensah et al , 2021).…”

The Impact Of Certified Seeds Adoption On Cost Efficiency Of Horticultural Cultivation

“…Adoption of technology, especially in adoption of superior seeds can give benefit to farmers because it can save costs and can also increase income. Mensah et al (2021) show that the adoption of technology in the form of seeds contributes the most to reducing production costs compared to other inputs, such as fertilizers, irrigation, and herbicides. The other research by Mensah et al (2021) said that the use of certified seeds in maize farming provides a higher income than seeds developed by farmers themselves.…”

“…Mensah et al (2021) show that the adoption of technology in the form of seeds contributes the most to reducing production costs compared to other inputs, such as fertilizers, irrigation, and herbicides. The other research by Mensah et al (2021) said that the use of certified seeds in maize farming provides a higher income than seeds developed by farmers themselves. Besides that, Shita, Kumar, and Singh (2020) in their research also said that farmers who adopt technology, both in the form of fertilizer technology and fertilizer technology along with improved seeds, both increase their profits.…”