Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to determine proportion of sampled farmers who
used improved input technologies, to examine the factors that affect usage of the
technologies, and to estimate the outcomes for rural development in the Ketu
North Municipality of Ghana. Theories of traditional agriculture, technological
determinism, and technology acceptance underpinned the study. The study used
a mixed-method approach, comprising a survey of 300 farmers, and key informant
interviews to arrive at the findings. The quantitative data were analysed using
descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Wilcoxon sum test, logit models and Foster-
Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty index, while the key informant interviews were
transcribed and interpreted. The study found that majority (61%) of the farmers
used improved maize varieties at erratic ratios of fertilizer application, and that
the municipal crop office supplied the improved input technologies, which were
introduced to farmers via demonstrations by extension agents. Membership of
farm-based unions, quality of extension contacts, access to phone-based
extensions, years of education, and access to credit facilitated usage of improved
technologies, while years of experience explained the non-usage. The outcomes
were that users of improved technologies had higher maize yield, income, food
security, and lower poverty incidence, lower gap and lower severity than
nonusers, whereas input maize price consistently increased food insecurity. The
conclusion was that improved input technologies present potentials for poverty
reduction through increased yield, income and food security as a pathway for rural
development. Thus, it was recommended for the farmers to deepen the usage of
improved technologies in farming for increased yield and associated benefits that
are necessary for rural development.
