ABSTRACT The transition to organic farming is increasingly promoted as a pathway toward sustainable agriculture, yet its implications for smallholder welfare in developing countries remain empirically underexplored. This study investigates the welfare effects of adopting organic vegetable farming among smallholder producers in Ghana's Ashanti Region, a hub for intensive vegetable cultivation. Using cross-sectional data from 385 farmers and employing the Endogenous Switching Regression model to address selection bias, we examine both the drivers of adoption and its impact on multiple welfare outcomes. Our findings reveal that being a farmer native to the district, off-farm employment, crop diversification, and access to stable markets significantly influence the decision to adopt organic practices. Impact estimates suggest that adoption improves household welfare by enhancing consumption expenditure and reducing food insecurity. However, adoption is also associated with reduced dietary diversity and lower incomes, highlighting potential trade-offs. These outcomes underscore the need for complementary interventions such as targeted input support and structured market linkages to maximize the benefits of organic farming for rural livelihoods. This study contributes to the empirical literature on sustainable agriculture by providing evidence of the welfare consequences of organic farming adoption in Sub-Saharan African contexts, with important implications for policy and program design. Key policy highlights Organic vegetable farming improves food security and household consumption for smallholder farmers in Ghana, but may lead to reduced dietary diversity and lower incomes. Organic adoption increases with market access but declines among native, off-farm employed, and diversified farmers. Policies should provide input subsidies, training, and access to organic farming resources. Stronger marketing support linking producers to premium markets through national and continental trade institutions is needed to improve incomes. Promoting farmer cooperatives and improving awareness of international trade opportunities can enhance bargaining power and welfare gains for small organic producers.

Pesticide safety compliance in transitional agro-ecologies: A multilevel analysis of practices among maize farmers in Ghana

ABSTRACT Bank savings are closely linked to access to credit, farm investment, and agricultural productivity, yet many smallholder farmers in Ghana do not use formal banking services due to low incomes and long distances to financial institutions. Empirical evidence on the role of bank savings in tomato farming remains limited. Using cross-sectional data from 311 tomato farmers, we examine the relationships among farm productivity, credit access, and bank savings. We apply three-stage least squares, propensity score matching, inverse probability weighting, and augmented inverse probability weighting for robust analysis. The results show that productivity, bank savings, and borrowing capacity among tomato farmers are generally low. These outcomes are influenced by factors such as land ownership, labor sources, distance to district capitals, farm and non-farm diversification, leadership roles, nativity, and farm size. Access to credit significantly improves productivity, while bank savings enhance both access to credit and the amount received. These findings highlight the importance of promoting formal savings and the effective use of credit through targeted training and support from governments, financial institutions, and private organizations.

This study assessed the perceptions and management strategy choices of maize farmers in Ghana towards fall armyworm (FAW) infestation, which poses a severe threat to their livelihoods, and examined the factors influencing farmers' adoption of FAW management strategies. All respondents demonstrated high awareness of FAW, with 98% reporting devastating effects on their farms. FAW affected an average of 30% of maize farmland, with farmers losing an estimated 536 kg ha-1, representing approximately 27% of expected maize yield. A significant knowledge gap persists in effective control measures, as indicated by a mean perception index of 0.21, reflecting farmers' limited understanding of effective FAW management strategies. Relative to biological/botanical and traditional pest management strategies, farmers largely perceive synthetic pesticides to be the ideal solution, with 42% strongly agreeing and 25% agreeing with this view. Factors significantly influencing control measure choice included age, gender, household size, labour, household head status, farm size, farm experience and non-farm income. The most pressing challenge with FAW management was difficulty in accessing synthetic control measures. Pest control practices vary significantly across agroecological zones, suggesting the need for region-specific strategies. Despite high awareness of FAW, farmers lacked adequate knowledge of effective control strategies, with many applying pesticides based on hearsay rather than expert recommendations. These findings underscore the need for targeted training programs focused on improving farmers' understanding and adoption of integrated, sustainable FAW management practices, while addressing the misguided perception that synthetic pesticides are inherently superior. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of climate and loan financing information on solar irrigation adoption among cocoa farmers in Ghana

This review examines the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in mitigating cereal crop damage caused by birds, highlighting its potential to enhance food security, improve agricultural sustainability, and support the livelihoods of farmers in Ghana. Food and nutrition security remain pivotal for sustainable development in Ghana, with agriculture contributing significantly to employment, food production, and economic growth. Among the pressing challenges facing Ghanaian farmers is bird-induced damage to cereal crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, and rice, which undermines productivity, food security, and farmer livelihoods. Traditional bird control methods such as scarecrows and manual labor, are often labor-intensive, costly, and increasingly ineffective at scale and raise social concerns, including child labor and school dropout. With advancements in technology, AI has emerged as a reliable solution for addressing these challenges. AI-powered systems, including drones equipped with bird detection and repellent technologies, offer innovative and sustainable alternatives to conventional with the potential of reducing 15-30% cereal crop losses caused by birds in Ghana while connectivity of Farmer Based Organizations to AI-based bird control systems increase accessibility and affordability for small scale farmers. Companies such as AiScarecrow have developed drones that mimic predatory birds, scaring away pest species through simulated threats while ensuring minimal harm to the environment, cutting down 90% field losses while saving an average of 8-10 hours a day of valuable time. These systems enable real-time monitoring, species-specific responses, and efficient deterrent mechanisms that significantly reduce bird-induced crop losses while minimizing environmental impact. This review synthesizes literature up to date on AI applications, bird deterrence technologies, and agricultural innovation in Ghana. The analysis identifies emerging approaches, key barriers to adoption, and directions for future research. The study highlights the urgency and feasibility in integrating AI-driven bird control into Ghana’s agricultural strategies to strengthen food security while promoting sustainable, technology-enabled farming.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Ghana’s cocoa sector, highlighting the need for resilient farming systems. Access to climate information is widely considered a critical enabler of resilience, yet empirical evidence specific to cocoa farmers remains limited. This study assesses the influence of climate information access on the resilience of cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Suhum District. Survey data from 388 farmers were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal a significant information gap, with 70% of farmers lacking access to climate information. Mobile phone–based internet platforms are the dominant source of climate information. Farmers mainly receive information on routine farm practices rather than technical meteorological indicators. Institutional and socio-economic factors, especially access to credit and resident status, are the key drivers of climate information access. Farmers show moderate absorptive and adaptive capacity but strong transformative capacity. Access to climate information is the strongest predictor of farmers’ resilience, alongside education, income, farm size, FBO membership, and access to credit. It is recommended that extension officers intensify the dissemination of climate information during routine farm visits and group meetings, with particular attention to farmers who are currently excluded from information flows.

Abstract The Guinea Savanna zone of many countries constitutes a critical cashew‐producing area. Despite its importance, data‐driven recommendations on optimal tree spacing remain largely unavailable to farmers in Ghana. This knowledge gap constrains productivity, reduces returns on investment, and affects farmer interest and ultimately the long‐term sustainability of cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L.) production. To address this challenge, a field experiment was established in 2010 at the Bole Substation of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, located within the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone, to evaluate the effects of plant spacing on the growth and early yield performance of cashew clones. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Six spacing treatments were assessed: 4 m × 8 m, 8 m × 8 m, 5 m × 10 m, 10 m × 10 m, 6 m × 12 m, and 12 m × 12 m. The growth and yield data collected included stem diameter, plant height, canopy spread, nut yield, and yield components. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GenStat software (version 12.1), and treatment means were separated using the least significant difference test at the 5% probability level. The results indicated that plant spacing did not significantly influence stem diameter, height, or canopy spread of cashew clones during the first 5 years after transplanting. Similarly, the number of nuts per tree and mean nut weight were not significantly affected by spacing. In contrast, nut yield per unit land area was consistently higher under closer spacing, particularly at 4 m × 8 m, and declined progressively with wider spacing. These yield differences were statistically significant throughout the 8 years of the yield assessment. The study therefore concludes that cashew clones can be cultivated at a spacing of 4 m × 8 m in the Guinea Savanna agroecology of Ghana for up to 8 years without the need for thinning. This spacing is recommended due to its higher early‐stage yield potential, increased farm income prospects, and the avoidance of thinning practices that many farmers find unacceptable. The adoption of this recommendation is expected to enhance national cashew productivity and contribute to the sustainability of cashew production systems in Ghana.

Abstract This paper examines the performance of smallholder crop farmers across different land ownership categories in Ghana. Using a metafrontier model, the study estimates technical efficiencies and productivity levels among farmers with formal land deeds, those without deeds, and non-landowners. The results show that land, labor, and capital significantly impact crop production across ownership categories, while social capital, income, and demographics influence managerial performance. Farmers with formal land deeds and those cultivating family-owned land exhibited superior production technologies. Enhancing access to extension services, credit, and farmer-based organizations, alongside collaboration with traditional chiefs and family heads, can improve land tenure security and productivity.

Climate change and variability worldwide affect human lives, farmers' earnings, and food security. Climate action has been identified by the United Nations as Sustainable Development Goal 13 (UN, n.d.). Climate change damages cocoa (Theobroma cacao) production and impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ghana. Changes in rainfall and temperature directly influence yields. These changes can reduce production, harm the trees, and increase pest and disease outbreaks. This study aims to understand farmers’ perceptions of climate change with respect to rainfall and temperature during the dry and wet seasons. The goal is to analyze these perceptions and see how they relate to demographic and institutional variables. Sampling followed protocols for systematic random sampling. Multiple regression and descriptive analyses were conducted. Most farmers noticed changes in rainfall and temperature related to the wet and dry seasons. Their perceptions aligned with weather data. Farming experience and education were significantly linked to their perceptions. Farmers also strongly agreed on their willingness to learn about climate change and expressed a readiness to take risks to reduce negative outcomes. Understanding farmers’ perceptions and the demographic and personal factors that influence them is crucial for designing effective, locally tailored strategies and policies, especially for rural cocoa farmers.

Water and nutrient constraints challenge greenhouse adoption by farmers in Ghana, with resource optimization experiments proving costly. Predictive modeling, such as the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), offers a practical alternative for simulating crop yield influenced by fertilizer, irrigation, genotype, and micro-climate interactions. This study calibrated and validated the DSSAT model to predict indeterminate tomato yields in Northern Ghana under varying fertigation regimes and greenhouse conditions. Treatments included fertilizer rates (100%, 80%, and 60%), irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60%), and two tomato genotypes (Jalila F1 and Yetty F1). The model accurately simulated key parameters, including maximum leaf area index (RRMSE: 44.97–140.99; D-Value: 0.31–0.77), aboveground dry biomass (RRMSE: 16.88–25.04; D-Value: 0.66–0.81), and yield (RRMSE: 17.03–22.43; D-Value: 0.67–0.90). Results demonstrated the model’s capacity to capture yield variations influenced by fertigation and genotype under dynamic greenhouse environments, closely aligning with observed data. The DSSAT model proves valuable as a decision-support tool, enabling farmers to optimize crop management strategies, conserve resources, and enhance sustainable food production in resource-limited settings.

Abstract Soil security underpins sustainable agriculture and land restoration in sub-Saharan Africa, yet empirical evidence on what shapes farmers’ understanding of it remains limited. This study investigates the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing soil-security awareness and perceived importance among 667 smallholder farmers in Ghana. It represents the first empirical application of the McBratney five-dimension framework to analyze farmers’ cognitive understanding of soil security in Africa. Using hierarchical logistic regression, linear regression, and structural-equation modeling, we examined the effects of education, agricultural-extension access, regional location, and workshop participation. Results show that 63% of farmers were aware of soil security, rating its importance highly at 4.01 out of 5 (SD = 1.14). Education emerged as the most powerful factor, substantially increasing both the likelihood of awareness (OR = 2.95, 95% CI [1.82, 4.93]) and importance ratings (β = 0.66, 95% CI [0.45, 0.86]), likely reflecting enhanced information access and cognitive framing. Access to extension services and workshop attendance also significantly improved awareness, underscoring their policy relevance. Mediation analysis indicated that extension contact accounted for approximately 4% of education’s total effect on awareness. Regional disparities were notable: farmers in the Northeast region had 75% lower odds of awareness than those in Ashanti, possibly reflecting infrastructural and institutional limitations. Awareness concentrated on practical dimensions such as Condition (37.9%) and Capital (29.7%), while institutional (Codification 4.6%) and ecological (Capability 3.1%) aspects were least recognized. Policies combining education with participatory extension and training can strengthen soil-security stewardship among Ghanaian smallholders.

Climate Change Information regarding adaptation strategies for ensuring sustainable agriculture and maximising crop yields has gained global concern; however, its effects on smallholder crop farmers’ activities remain inadequate. This study employed the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to examine the effects of climate change information on the adaptation techniques used by smallholder crop farmers in Ghana’s Sissala East Municipality. A mixed method approach was utilised to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 306 crop farmers and 23 key informants, respectively to explore how farmers receive, understand, and act on climate information, focusing on three main factors – attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. The findings show that smallholder crop farmers’ accessibility to climate change information increases their knowledge, preparation, and chance of using adaptation tactics in their farming activities. Notably, factors such as gender, education level, age, and farm size impacted access to various forms of climatic information. The findings further indicate that radio and agricultural extension personnel are the most prominent and trusted sources of climate change information, with social interactions and personal experiences serving as major methods for processing the information. Statistical analysis with the Multivariate Probit Model and chi-square tests revealed that climate change knowledge strongly predicts farmers’ adaptation measures. The study backs up TPB’s thesis that farmers’ behavioural intentions, influenced by their beliefs, norms, and self-efficacy, are critical to understand their adaptive behaviours in the face of climatic unpredictability.

ABSTRACT This study investigated how smallholder farmers in Ghana’s forest – savanna transition zone managed expanding cashew cultivation with food and income security. Using mixed methods with 216 farmers and six key informants in Jaman North and South, farmer-led innovations were assessed. From 2019 to 2024, small cashew farms ( <2 ha) declined by 35% in Jaman North and 10% in Jaman South. Key strategies included intercropping (68%), dedicated food croplands (47%), and agroforestry (30%), strongly shaped by land tenure (p < .001). Cooperatives improved market access, but limited credit and extension services constrained adoption, highlighting the need for stronger policy support.

Abstract Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) refers to a holistic approach to managing soil fertility that combines a variety of techniques and practices to improve soil health and enhance agricultural productivity, particularly in smallholder farming systems. Despite the associated higher labor and other input demands associated with ISFM adoption, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the positive outcomes of these investments at the household level. Using data from 380 tomato farmers in three regions of Ghana, we explore the relationship between ISFM adoption and household welfare. The methodology employed relies on inverse probability weighting regression adjustment (IPWRA). The findings reveal that ISFM adoption positively impacts household welfare by increasing net income by GH₵436.88 ($60.43)/ha, improving household assets by GH₵518.17 ($71.67)/ha, enhancing food security by 1.23 points, and reducing household expenditure by GH₵57.39 ($7.94)/ha. The results highlight ISFM’s potential to enhance smallholder welfare through increased income, improved household assets, and better food security, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable agricultural development. Policies should focus on improving access to fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, coupled with extension services and farmer education programs to promote ISFM adoption. Tailored interventions targeting older and more experienced farmers, as well as household heads, are essential to overcome barriers to adoption and maximize the economic and welfare benefits of ISFM practices.

Agrochemical usage is common with cocoa farmers in Ghana; however, the inappropriate use or lack of protective equipment leaves farmers exposed to these chemicals. Pesticides are generally taken up by farmers through inhalation, ingestion, or dermally and distributed through the circulatory system to affect various organs. Organophosphate inhibits cholinesterase (ChE), causing a buildup of acetylcholine and overstimulation of cholinergic synapses. Plasma pseudocholinesterase (pChE), synthesized in the liver, serves as a biomarker for organophosphate exposure. We assessed the levels of serum cholinesterase and liver and kidney function biomarkers among cocoa farmers exposed to organophosphates. A total of 220 male farmers with a consistent track record of using agropesticides for at least 1 year or more were selected. A structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information. Following an overnight fast, 5 mL of blood was collected from each participant aseptically for assessment of biochemical markers of the liver, kidney, lipids, and cholinesterase. Reduced plasma pseudocholinesterase was defined as levels < 5000 U/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation. The prevalence of reduced pseudocholinesterase (pChE) among the study participants was 23%. The mean level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (38.11 ± 14.15 vs. 35.72 ± 16.61, p = 0.036) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (29.04 ± 18.85 vs. 23.69 ± 11.09, p = 0.017) were significantly elevated among subjects with low serum cholinesterase levels. Triglycerides (TG) (1.68 ± 0.86 vs. 1.30 ± 0.66, p = 0.004) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.64 ± 0.35 vs. 0.77 ± 0.40, p = 0.004) were significantly elevated among the participants with low pChE levels. However, mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (1.22 ± 0.44 vs. 1.37 ± 0.35, p = 0.017) was significantly reduced among participants with low pChE levels. Coffee consumption OR = 2.24 [1.04-4.83, p = 0.039], duration of agro pesticide usage greater than 10 years OR = 4.70 [1.72-13.5, p = 0.003], and poor knowledge of the harmful effect of pesticides OR = 4.96 [1.97-14.1, p = 0.001] were all significantly associated with low pChE levels among the study participants. pChE levels showed a significantly negative correlation with ALT (R = -0.2, p = 0.0027), TG (R = -0.34, p ≤ 0.001), and VLDL (R = -0.31, p ≤ 0.001). HDL showed a significant positive correlation (R = 0.14, p = 0.044). There is a high prevalence of reduced pChE among cocoa farmers in Ghana and this was associated with alteration in liver and lipid biomarkers. Additionally, coffee intake, longer work duration, and poor knowledge of agropesticide side effects were associated with low pChE levels among the study participants. These findings highlight the importance of targeted occupational health interventions, including improved training on pesticide safety and consistent and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Technology adoption is crucial for enhancing smallholder agricultural productivity. However, adoption rates for most rice-farming technologies in many parts of the developing world, including Ghana, remain consistently low. This study examines the constraints affecting smallholder farmers’ adoption of different rice farming technologies, with a focus on the Bono and Volta regions of Ghana. Data were obtained from 344 randomly selected farmers through a questionnaire survey. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Our findings revealed clear differences in adoption levels, with improved seed varieties (74%) and fertilizers (56%) showing the highest adoption rates, whereas machinery, line sowing, and soil bunding had the lowest rates (each &lt;50%). The analysis underscores that constraints are highly technology-specific. High input costs and limited access to credit were perceived as major socioeconomic barriers to the adoption of fertilizers and machinery. In contrast, institutional constraints – such as limited access to training, delayed input supply, and weak extension services – were the dominant barriers to the adoption of improved seed varieties and line sowing. Technical constraints, including the perceived complexity of technologies, significantly hindered the adoption of machinery and soil bunding. Overcoming these challenges is critical for enhancing smallholder farmers’ productivity and livelihood.

Purpose This study estimates the determinants and impacts of Del-Monte-Dole (MD2) variety adoption on Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP) certification for small-scale pineapple farmers in Southern Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study uses primary data from 546 pineapple smallholder farm households and a recursive bivariate probit model to address research objectives. Findings This study’s findings show that contract farming, formal education and female-headed households increase the probability of smallholders adopting MD2 variety, whilst their decision to participate in GlobalGAP certification is positively influenced by the MD2 variety adoption, contract farming, farm size and female-headed households. Post-estimation analysis indicates that female MD2 variety adopters have a higher likelihood of participation in GlobalGAP certification than their male counterparts. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on two districts in Southern Ghana where export-oriented pineapple production and GlobalGAP certification are key farming activities. Practical implications This study’s outcome will be useful in designing policies and interventions to support both MD2 variety adoption and GlobalGAP certification among small-scale pineapple farmers in Ghana and other developing countries. Originality/value MD2 variety adoption and GlobalGAP certification are key factors affecting export-oriented pineapple production in Ghana. However, there is limited information on the relationship between these two critical factors. This study bridges the gap by estimating the impact of MD2 variety adoption on GlobalGAP certification, whilst accounting for selection bias and unobserved endogeneity. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2024-0957

Remittances and rural livelihoods: Evidence from subsistence farmers in Ghana

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of commercial farming operations, factors influencing farmers’ willingness to pay for innovative agricultural taxes and challenges impeding tax payment. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a mixed-methods approach, surveying 113 commercial crop farmers in Ghana’s Afram Plains South District using a structured questionnaire. Sampling combined purposive and stratified random methods. The analysis utilized descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression to identify factors influencing tax payment willingness and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance to rank challenges impeding tax payment. Findings The study found that 39% of respondents had 1–10 years of farming experience, with 74% operating farms of 50–100 acres. 80% reported paying some form of agricultural tax. There was a high willingness to pay innovative taxes: 89% for agricultural income tax and 95% each for land withholding tax and crop-specific levies. Key factors influencing tax payment willingness were tax awareness, knowledge of tax laws, perception of penalties and quality of public services. Major barriers to tax payment included excessive tax burden, inadequate fiscal literacy and institutional malfeasance. Research limitations/implications The study implies a need for tailored tax policies that consider the unique characteristics of commercial farming operations and address the identified barriers to tax compliance. Originality/value This study provides novel insights into agricultural taxation dynamics in Ghana, focusing on commercial crop farmers’ willingness to pay innovative taxes. It bridges a literature gap by examining the intersection of agricultural development and tax policy in a developing economy context, offering valuable guidance for policymakers in designing tax systems.