Adoption of Improved Sweetpotato Varieties in Ghana
Natson Eyram Amengor *
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Bright Owusu-Asante
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Kwadwo Adofo
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Patricia Pinamang Acheampong
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Benedicta Nsiah-Frimpong
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Alex Nimo-Wiredu
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Av. FLPM, via Corrane, Km 8. P.O.Box 709, Nampula, Mozambique.
Desmond Adogoba
CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 52, Tamale, Ghana.
Joyce Haleegoah
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Alex Adu-Appiah
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Ernest Baafi
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
Regina Sagoe
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O.Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To examine the awareness and adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties in Ghana.
Study Design: Multi-stage sampling (Proportional Probability, Purposive and Random) of Sweetpotato farmers.
Place and Duration of Study: Improved Root and Tuber Technology Implementation Hubs. Fifteen (15) districts were selected. In each district, 5 communities and 35 sweetpotato farm households were selected from each district. The total sample size was 525 households across the country. The average treatment methodology was used to estimate the factors influencing awareness and adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties and the effect of awareness on adoption.
Results: Awareness of improved sweetpotato varieties are significantly influenced by household size, farm experience, number of plots cultivated and membership of FBOs. The population adoption rate was 67.2%, whereas the adoption rate within the subpopulation that is aware of the improved sweetpotato varieties was 69.6%. Potential adoption among the farmers who are not aware of the improved sweetpotato varieties was 59.3% hence resulting in an adoption gap of 13.8% due to incomplete awareness.
Conclusion: Dissemination efforts should include effective awareness creation about the improved sweetpotato varieties across the country for enhanced adoption. For effective promotion and adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties in Ghana, factors such as the age of the farmers, farm experience in sweetpotato cultivation, residential status and number of plots owned by farmers need to be considered in designing appropriate strategies.
Keywords: Food security, average treatment effect, exposure, parametric, adoption rates