Impact of farmers’ social relationships on productivity: a multiplex network analysis

Abstract

An individual’s productivity is strongly related to work- and non-work-related interactions. Thus, the literature on farmers’ productivity often explores single-layer networks that illustrate the single categories of social relationships. In this study, we investigated farmers’ productivity using a multiplex structure underlying social interaction networks. Relational data were obtained from farmers in four different categories of social relationships. The multiplex network was analysed by applying multiplex degree centrality and layer-by-layer comparison. Also, power and role were analysed through the use of external data by determining their intra-layer correlation. The findings show that diverse types of relationships exist together and they positively affect farmers’ productivity in multiple ways and enhance their innovation capacity. Only 6 out of the 73 farmers had high-degree centrality (> 10), with 18–63$\%$ relevance for the six farmers in the two layers—farming advice (FA) and loans (LO) layers—that the farmers considered important to their productivity. These farmers were more likely to be productive and help improve the productivity of others linked to them. Further, 62$\%$ of the edges in the social gathering and personal advice layers were similar, whereas only 3$\%$ of those in the FA and LO layers were similar, confirming the significance of the latter layers. The influence of social structures on farmers’ productivity implies that social connections enhance farmers’ confidence. The external data further confirm that the formation of some links depends on trust and power, whereas others do not.

Local Trade Networks among Farmers and Traders

“…Postharvest losses, low productivity, poor infrastructure, high transportation costs [14] and market systems, which are controlled privately without suitable official support systems [15], hinder Ghana's goal of self-sufficiency. Changing dietary patterns, predominantly urban population growth [16], and low productivity of householder farmers [17] have led to rapid increase in food imports. This situation can be addressed through trade with proper restrictions and policies to increase farmers' access to profitable markets.…”

“…This situation can be addressed through trade with proper restrictions and policies to increase farmers' access to profitable markets. Most studies [17] [18] addressing these challenges focused only on farmers ignoring traders who purchase harvested products from farmers, causing a gap in the literature, which this study addresses. This is because, stimulating trade and information sharing can improve local-and national-level food security, thus enhancing economic growth.…”