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The changing landscape of agriculture in Ghana: Drivers of farm mechanization and its impacts on cropland expansion and intensification:

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  • Houssou, Nazaire
  • Chapoto, Antony

Abstract

This study assesses whether the recent public and private efforts to improve farmers’ access to mechanical power in Ghana have had the intended effects on the country’s agricultural sector. Using panel survey data, this paper analyses the drivers of farm mechanization and its net impacts on cropland expansion and farming system intensification in northern Ghana. Several factors explain the use and use intensity of agricultural mechanization, including landholding size, total labor and fertilizer use per hectare, chemical use, and amount of land left fallow. More importantly, the results suggest that farm mechanization did have a positive impact on cropland expansion during the survey period. The results presented here support the existence of a labor substitution effect resulting from tractor use.

Suggested Citation

  • Houssou, Nazaire & Chapoto, Antony, 2014. "The changing landscape of agriculture in Ghana: Drivers of farm mechanization and its impacts on cropland expansion and intensification:," IFPRI discussion papers 1392, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifprid:1392
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Asiama, K.O. & Bennett, R.M. & Zevenbergen, J.A. & Da Silva Mano, A., 2019. "Responsible consolidation of customary lands: A framework for land reallocation," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 412-423.
    2. Houssou, Nazaire & Chapoto, Anthony & Asante-Addo, Collins, 2016. "Farm transition and indigenous growth: The rise to medium- and large-scale farming in Ghana:," IFPRI discussion papers 1499, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Houssou, Nazaire & Kolavalli, Shashidhara & Silver, Jed, 2016. "Agricultural intensification, technology adoption, and institutions in Ghana," GSSP policy notes 10, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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    Keywords

    mechanization; animal power; Intensification; Agricultural policies; Tractors; Draught animals; farmland; Land use; farm inputs; cropland expansion; draft animals;
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