How does participation in Ghana’s fertilizer subsidy program (GFSP) affect the adoption of sustainable intensification practices (SIPs) and gross farm inputs?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Technology adoption is key to overcoming climate-related risks to smallholder farmers and declining soil fertility in sub-Sahara Africa. This study estimates the effect of participation in Ghana’s Fertilizer Subsidy Program (GFSP) on the adoption intensity of Sustainable Intensification Practices (SIPs) and gross farm inputs, using a nationally representative dataset of 4365 maize-growing households for two survey periods (2012/2013) and (2016/2017). The study finds that participation in the GFSP increases the adoption intensity in both SIPs and gross farm inputs. The study also finds that mutual aid schemes, farmer cooperatives, agricultural loans, household wealth, and connection of a farm household dwelling to the national electricity grid positively and significantly increase adoption intensity of SIPs and gross farm inputs. Improving access to the GFSP among poor farm households, provision of rural electrification, strengthening and resourcing enabling factors (such as mutual aid schemes and farmer cooperatives) at the local level can facilitate Ghana’s drive towards a sustainable agricultural production.