Farmers' perceptions of NGO interventions on agriculture in Mfantsiman and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem municipalities of the central region of Ghana

Abstract

Agricultural production by farmers continues to face many challenges. NGOs play an important role by assisting farmers to improve on their production levels and livelihoods. The study was carried out using a descriptive-correlational survey design to examine farmers' perceptions of the effects ofNGO interventions on agriculture in Mfantsiman and KEEA municipalities in the Central Region of Ghana. Four NGOs provided services to the farmers. The results showed that most of the farmers were at least 40 years old, literate, engaged in crop production and cultivated 2 - 5ha of land and had at least 10 years of fanning experience. The study showed that the interventions of NGOs improved the level of agriculture. NGO activities also produced significant improvement in the yield, income, quality of produce, food security, weed control, use of fertilizer/manure, land preparation, housing of animals, disease and pest control, storage and preservation, processing and marketing. Generally, farmers' livelihoods comprising their ability to afford school fees, health, good clothing, decent house and more food were enhanced. The farmers in Mfantsiman Municipality perceived the effects of the interventions to be 'good' while tllose in KEEA Municipality perceived it to be 'very good'. Both male and female farmers perceived the effects of the interventions to be 'good'. The working relationship between fanners and NGOs were perceived to be 'very good'. The study recommends that: 1) NGOs should give farmers adequate credit support. 2) Inputs should be made available and affordable by the government, relevant agencies and NGOs.