The study investigated the constraints to farmers’ intention to pay for private irrigation in Nandom District, Ghana. Using a key informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, the study collected data from 236 farmers. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Kendall coefficient of concordance was used to determine the level of agreement among farmers in ranking of constraints. The study found financial constraint (low income) as the most important constraints to farmers’ readiness to pay for private irrigation. Other important constraints were lack of ready market for output, crop pest and diseases, unstable output price, costly private services, inadequate supply of complementary inputs and lack of credit services. We concluded that lack of ready market, unstable price for farm produce and lack of credit services jointly worsen farmer's finances and consequently constraint their ability to pay even under condition of perfect knowledge of the benefits that could accrue from the technology. This study recommends the implementation of the proposed private irrigation service but management of the service should incorporate an efficient value chain in the management of the service. پرونده مقاله

For over a decade now improved maize technology constituting a package of fourteen production recommendations have been developed and disseminated to maize farmers in the Bawku West district of the Upper East region through the district department of agriculture. This paper presents findings of a study conducted to assess the level of adoption of these production recommendations and its effect on yield among smallholder farmers in the district. Through multi-stage sampling techniques, 400 maize farmers were surveyed with personal interviews, focus group discussions and observations employed in gathering data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analysing the data and results presented in tables and graphics. Many (44%) of the farmers surveyed were found to have been practicing most of the production recommendations. The study found significant and positive relationship between level of adoption and yield. Adoption of many production recommendations guarantees high yield. Also, age, gender, household size, farm size of maize credit, labour and experience were found as significant determinants of yield. Education and training aimed at improving farmers understanding and skills regarding the practice of maize production recommendations should be strengthened and organized regularly. پرونده مقاله