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Smallholder Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Northern Ghana

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  • Nkegbe, Paul K.
  • Shankar, Bhavani
  • Ceddia, M. Graziano

Abstract

Both governmental and non-governmental organizations are engaged in the promotion of soil and water conservation practices in northern Ghana, but adoption is believed to be low. This study thus examines the determinants of conservation practices by farming households in the area. Data for the study was collected from 445 households located in 15 communities in northern Ghana. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate probit models were used to analyse the decision to adopt six conservation practices in the area. Results show the major determinants of adoption are plot and cropping characteristics such as location; and socio-economic and institutional variables such as number of contacts with extension officers, membership in farmer association and distance to major market. A major policy implication of the study is the strengthening of extension service in the area to significantly boost conservation adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Nkegbe, Paul K. & Shankar, Bhavani & Ceddia, M. Graziano, 2011. "Smallholder Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Northern Ghana," 2011 International Congress, August 30-September 2, 2011, Zurich, Switzerland 114608, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:eaae11:114608
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.114608
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    2. Richard Ansong Omari & Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura & Elsie Sarkodee Addo & Yosei Oikawa & Yoshiharu Fujii, 2018. "Exploring Farmers’ Indigenous Knowledge of Soil Quality and Fertility Management Practices in Selected Farming Communities of the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Daniele Mozzato & Paola Gatto & Edi Defrancesco & Lucia Bortolini & Francesco Pirotti & Elena Pisani & Luigi Sartori, 2018. "The Role of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices: Can Geographical Context and Time Explain the Differences Emerging from Literature?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-23, August.
    4. Dian Spear & Angela Chappel, 2018. "Livelihoods on the Edge without a Safety Net: The Case of Smallholder Crop Farming in North-Central Namibia," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-11, June.
    5. Abdul Razak Baba & Abdul-Malik Abdulai, 2021. "Determinants of Crop Diversification and Its Effects on Household Food Security in Northern Ghana," Arthaniti: Journal of Economic Theory and Practice, , vol. 20(2), pages 227-245, December.
    6. Thomas B. Yaméogo & William M. Fonta & Tobias Wünscher, 2018. "Can Social Capital influence Smallholder Farmers’ Climate-Change Adaptation Decisions? Evidence from Three Semi-Arid Communities in Burkina Faso, West Africa," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-20, February.

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