Assessing the effects of training on rice farmers’ yield. The case of JICA training on sustainable rain-fed lowland rice production technology in the Northern, Savanna and North-east Regions in Ghana

Abstract

The consumption of rice has increased at an increasing rate globally with greater number of consumers deriving high calories through rice, hence the need for training of rice farmers to help increase its production to meet such high demand. This notion informed Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to collaborate with Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Government of Ghana (GoG) to train rice farmers in Ghana specifically in the Northern, Savana and North-east Regions. The ‘rain-fed lowland rice production technology training’, which was intended to increase rice production and profitability of rice farmers in the selected regions was carried out successfully within the project time frame. This study sought to evaluate the success of the training along two key objectives - ascertaining the extent to which the training has contributed to increase in rice yield (per hectare) of farmers in the selected areas and assessing the correlation between the components (land development and rice cultivation) of the training project on rice yield in the selected areas. The findings revealed the there was increase in rice farmers yield per hectare after the training and there was also a positive correlation between land development as a component of the training and rice cultivation in the selected area. The research recommend that MoFA should endeavour to replicate the JICA training on rain-fed lowland rice production technology across all rice production areas in Ghana.

Does training benefits lead to acquisition of livelihood assets and change in social status? Evidence from training of rice farmers

“…All agricultural training programmes should be evaluated so that organisers, agricultural authorities, farmers and funders can make informed decisions about the programme and training methods. Evaluation results will show which parts of the programme are not effective and which should be modified or abandoned (Issahaku, Obeng, Akudugu, et al, 2022; Issahaku, Obeng, & Yeboah, 2022; Ousman, 2007), and or if a particular training project is effective and meet the participants interest, it can be extended in other sections of the organisation. The relevance and feasibility of any training can only be ascertained by carrying out an evaluation.…”

“…The training covers land development, rice cultivation (best agronomic practices), agricultural support systems and extension to improve rice production. The agronomic practices aspect of the training, therefore, formed the main part of the training, accounting for approximately 70% of the training (Issahaku, 2020; Issahaku, Obeng & Yeboah, 2021; Baba, personal communication, 2014).…”

“…The training on sustainable rainfed lowland rice cultivation technology was together financed by the Government of Japan facilitated by JICA and the Ghana Government through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). The project involved over 2100 participants, among whom were farmers, rice processors and traders, with the objective of disseminating sustainable rainfed lowland rice cultivation techniques to all rice growers in the target areas, to all other farmers in the northern sector of Ghana (Issahaku, Obeng & Yeboah, 2021; Issahaku, 2020), and to the extend, if possible, to all rice farmers in Ghana. The anticipated outcomes were the development of an improved technical package for the module, (rainfed lowland rice production technique), the testing and validation of the methods and technique, and the development of a dissemination plan which will include the technical package and a farm support system for all participants (Baba, personal communication, 2014; MoFA/JICA TENSUI RICE, 2014; Mumuni & Oladele, 2012; Zakaria et al, 2016).…”

“…The anticipated outcomes were the development of an improved technical package for the module, (rainfed lowland rice production technique), the testing and validation of the methods and technique, and the development of a dissemination plan which will include the technical package and a farm support system for all participants (Baba, personal communication, 2014; MoFA/JICA TENSUI RICE, 2014; Mumuni & Oladele, 2012; Zakaria et al, 2016). The recommended rice variety for the project was Jasmine 85 (Issahaku, 2020; MoFA/JICA TENSUI RICE, 2014).…”

“…The biophysical siting criteria aimed to select areas where existing farmland and its characteristics are highly suitable for rice production. Socioeconomic factors such as (1) availability of willing farmers, (2) absence of land conflicts, (3) absence of sanctuaries, (4) cultivated land within 5 km from the village, (5) availability of motorable roads and (6) presence of traditional or experienced rice farmers were taken into account when selecting areas for training (Issahaku, 2020; MoFA/JICA TENSUI RICE, 2014).…”