Journal Article - Frontiers in Water
Factors Affecting Farmers' Decision to Harvest Rainwater for Maize Production in Ghana
This article was originally published and is available in full from Frontiers in Water.
Abstract
Climate change, especially the variability of rainfall patterns, poses a threat to maize production in Ghana. Some farmers harvest rainwater and store it for maize production to cope with unpredicted rainfall patterns. However, there are only a few studies on the adoption of rainwater harvesting for maize production. This study analyses the factors that influence farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana. A probit regression model is applied for the empirical analysis, using primary data from 344 maize farmers. The results show that 38% of the farmers harvest rainwater. We found that male farmers, farmers with primary education, large-scale farmers, experienced farmers, and those with access to weather information are more likely to harvest rainwater, while older farmers, those with limited access to extension services and labor, and those who perceive changes in rainfall pattern and amount of rainfall are associated with a lower probability to harvest rainwater for maize production. The findings suggest that enhancing farmers' access to weather information and extension services and improving awareness of climate change are needed to promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting. For gender inclusiveness in the adoption of rainwater harvesting, policies need to consider the needs of women.
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The full text of this publication is available via Frontiers in Water.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Bessah, Enoch, Emmanuel Donkor, Abdulganiy O. Raji, Olalekan J. Taiwo, Olusola O. Ololade, Alexandre Strapasson, Shadrack K. Amponsah and Sampson K. Agodzo. “Factors Affecting Farmers' Decision to Harvest Rainwater for Maize Production in Ghana.” Frontiers in Water, (September 28, 2022) .
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This article was originally published and is available in full from Frontiers in Water.
Abstract
Climate change, especially the variability of rainfall patterns, poses a threat to maize production in Ghana. Some farmers harvest rainwater and store it for maize production to cope with unpredicted rainfall patterns. However, there are only a few studies on the adoption of rainwater harvesting for maize production. This study analyses the factors that influence farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana. A probit regression model is applied for the empirical analysis, using primary data from 344 maize farmers. The results show that 38% of the farmers harvest rainwater. We found that male farmers, farmers with primary education, large-scale farmers, experienced farmers, and those with access to weather information are more likely to harvest rainwater, while older farmers, those with limited access to extension services and labor, and those who perceive changes in rainfall pattern and amount of rainfall are associated with a lower probability to harvest rainwater for maize production. The findings suggest that enhancing farmers' access to weather information and extension services and improving awareness of climate change are needed to promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting. For gender inclusiveness in the adoption of rainwater harvesting, policies need to consider the needs of women.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Frontiers in Water.- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Event Debrief: Cultivating a Greener Future with Regenerative Agriculture Policies
Magazine Article - Boston Globe Magazine
Iceland’s ‘Silicon Valley of Cod’ Holds Secrets for New England’s Fishing Industry
News - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
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