Adoption of Genetically Modified Maize Technology in Ghana

The paper investigates farmers’ awareness of genetically modified maize technology, perceived challenges, willingness to adopt, and the factors influencing their decision. This research employs Binary Probit model and Kendall’s constraint ranking technique for the analyses, based on cross-sectional data from 550 maize farmers across five regions in Ghana: Northern, Bono, Ashanti, Western, and Volta. The results demonstrate that 79% of the farmers are aware of GM maize, and 60% express willingness to adopt the technology. Key factors influencing their willingness to adopt genetically modified maize include age, farm size, experience, extension services, and input costs. The top three constraints farmers perceive are limited consumer demand for GM maize, high costs of planting materials, and concerns over the crop’s potentially shorter lifespan. The study recommends intensifying GM maize awareness and benefits through workshops and educational initiatives. Additionally, direct sales channels for farmers should be promoted to boost their income. Furthermore, extension service delivery should be intensified with the needed logistics to enable them attend to the needs of farmers adequately, including the dissemination of GM crops. We also recommend that policymakers should develop channels through which farmers can sell their grains after harvesting so that they would be assured of a ready market for their GM produce.