Rice farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies and its effects on yield and income: empirical insights from Ghana

Abstract

Rice stands as a popular staple in Ghana, crucial to both sustenance and livelihoods for many. However, the nexus of climate change and other factors has inflicted a decline in rice yields. The study was undertaken to investigate rice farmers' perceptions and adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) technologies in Ghana. Using a crosssectional survey, 319 rice farmers in the Central Region were selected through the multistage sampling method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicate that rice farmers have a positive perception of CSA technologies, associating them with increased income and improved production. Key CSA technologies commonly used by rice farmers were planting improved varieties, proper fertilizer usage, and nursery management. The determinants of CSA adoption were farming experience, farm size, extension access, secondary occupation, and farmer group membership. Education, farming experience, household size, farmer group membership, and the use of integrated pest management significantly affect income. Gender, household size, farm size, secondary occupation, and crop diversification emerged as the determinants of rice yield. However, their adoption is hindered by the high cost of agricultural inputs and land insufficiency. The government should strengthen weather monitoring systems and provide easy access to accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts for farmers. There should be increased investment in agricultural extension services to educate farmers on the use of climate-smart technologies. This study enriches global climate change literature through empirical grounding, local contextualization, and practical insights, fostering climate-smart agriculture adoption among rice farmers.