Assessment of Competencies of Agricultural Extension Agents and Smallholder Farmers for Adoption of Commercial Pineapple Production Technologies in the Central Region

Abstract

The study investigated the competencies of smallholder farmers and agricultural extension agents for adoption of commercial pineapple production technologies in the Central Region of Ghana. The study used a descriptive survey design and multistage sampling procedure to select respondents. Content validated questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 86 AEAs and 120 farmers. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe data whilst correlation coefficients and OLS regression were used to relate and predict variables in the study. The results revealed that farmers use commercial production technologies such as proper land selection, application of appropriate fertilizers, control diseases and plant double row along the beds. However, overall competencies of AEAs and smallholder farmers in commercial pineapple production was perceived to be moderate. Also, the system of farming practise, sex of farmers and number of acres of land cultivated influence the decision of farmers to adopt commercial pineapple technologies. It is recommended among others that there is the need for MoFA and other service providers to offer training on commercial pineapple production for AEAs so that farmers’ adoption of commercialised pineapple production technologies will be enhanced.