Determinants of Farmer-Based Organisations’ Sustainability in Peri-urban Tamale, Ghana

This study examines the dynamics and determinants of the sustainability of farmer-based organisations (FBOs) in peri-urban Tamale, Ghana. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 200 members across 40 FBOs to characterise group structures, identify organisational and membership factors influencing sustainability, and assess perceived impacts of FBOs membership. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were employed for analysis. Results reveal that only one-third of FBOs can be considered sustainable. The key determinants of FBOs sustainability are members’ financial commitment, leadership tenure, leadership proactiveness, effective feedback mechanisms, transparent auditing practices, existence of group bank accounts, and gender. Male membership and operating with permanent leadership tenure inhibits the sustainability of FBOs. On the other hand, operating members funded group with a group bank accounts, transparent auditing practices in conjunction with proactive leadership having an effective feedback mechanism, enhances FBOs sustainability. Membership of sustainable FBOs is found to better improve adoption of good agricultural practices (GAPs), credit and markets access, as well as household income and food security. The findings underscore the fact that FBO sustainability is shaped not only by structural and socio-economic factors but also by effective communication processes and participatory governance practices. Policy measures should therefore prioritise strengthening leadership capacity, promoting participatory group models, and investing in enhancements effective communication within groups to enhance the resilience and long-term viability of FBOs.