Training of Rice Farmers and Its Effect on Socio-Economic Assets Acquisition and Change in Status

Abstract

Training programmes for rice farmers is believed to be an activity leading to the improvement in yield if it is well managed and implemented. Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) initiated a training programme for rice farmers in three regions in Northern Ghana. Indeed, the benefits of training could be social, cognitive, economic or both. The training was intended to help increase rice farmers yield leading to productivity and profitability. This study was set up to evaluate the extent to which the rainfed lowland rice training programme influenced changes and improvement in socio-economic status of the rice farmers. A sample of 257 out of the total population of 880 was selected across both sex for this study. The analysis showed that all participants in the training benefitted in the form of changes in their socio-economic statuses as well as cognitive improvement. Various assets were acquired from proceeds of excess rice sole after feeding their families. One asset the majority of the farmers acquired was cell phone with all the women farmers acquiring cooking utensils either for their domestic use or in preparation towards settling their daughters when they are due for marriage. It was established that the rice training programme was beneficial to farmers and therefore should be extended to cover all rice farmers in the three regions in particular and to rice farmers in Ghana in general.

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.…”

“…Training leading to the adoption of new rice varieties production has positive impact on food security, household wealth and health (Adekambi et al, 2009; Dibba et al, 2012, 2015; Dontsop et al, 2011). Issahaku et al, (2022) and Sharma et al (2017) stated that thanks to training, most farmers now see themselves as better business managers, able to improve their skills, knowledge and abilities in agriculture and transfer the knowledge and skills to their farms. Corroborative studies by Issahaku (2020); Issahaku, Obeng & Yeboah (2021); Issahaku et al, (2022) showed that training in agricultural technologies and their implementation led to increased household food supply and security among rural household rice farmers.…”