International Journal of Agricultural Studies

Gendered Analysis of Perceptions of Stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector on Gender Notions in Northern Region of Ghana

Hawa Mahama, Collins Osei, John Eudes Andivi Bakang, Seth Etuah — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: The study analyzed stakeholders in the agricultural sector perceptions of gendered notions in Northern Region of Ghana. Three Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) were purposively sampled from the 16 MMDAs in the region.

Methods: The research applied the explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 54 policymakers and implementers followed by a FGD and interviews for the 400 farmers in 12 communities. A 5-point Likert scale perception index was used to analyze the perceptions of stakeholders on gender.

Results: The results revealed that cumulatively, the stakeholder’s thoughts on gender notions were widespread and culturally grounded and implied to a large extent that ownership and control over productive resources was male-dominated whiles the distribution of labor portrayed a heavier burden on women making the men more empowered at the community management level.

Conclusion: The study concludes that, the stakeholders in the agricultural sector do not unanimously agree on these notions. Though the women portray some level of readiness to challenge the status quo, access to and control over resources like land and other resources challenge their efforts whiles the men, for fear of losing their access and control over the resources, protect their territories graciously.

Recommendation: The study therefore recommends policymakers at the national and regional levels and implementers at the MMDAs and community levels to ensure that both women and men have access and control over resources. The study also recommends (policymakers and implementers) in the agricultural sector be more conscious of the different gender roles and its implication for both women and men in society and also conscientize both the female and male farmers on these gender roles.

Access to and Use of Agricultural Information among Maize Farmers in Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To examine the access to and use of agricultural information among maize farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality in Ashanti Region

Methodology: A quantitative approach was used through the use of cross-sectional survey design. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 170 maize farmers from the communities for the study. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23.0 software. Frequencies, Percentages, Mean, Chi-square Test of Independence and Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance were used for data analysis.

Findings: The study found that the most utilized source of agricultural information by maize farmers in Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality was agricultural extension agents. It was also observed that there was a significant relationship between farm ownership type, educational level, access to credit, extension visits, farming experience, and access to agricultural information. The study also found that the main agricultural information needs of the maize farmers in Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality were disease and pest management. Also, the inadequate number of extension agents was the main challenge faced by farmers in accessing and using agricultural information in the municipality.

Conclusion: The study conclude that farmers received most of their information from agricultural extension agents, radio and farmers. Access to agricultural information is influence by socio-economic characteristics of farmers.

Recommendations: The study recommends that extension agents to be well equipped and trained, as well as increasing their number by the government through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Also, farmers must be well communicated to and educated using local strategies as well as encouraging them to join Farmer Based Organisations (FBOs).

Determinants and Impact of Youth Involvement in Agricultural Sector: Evidence from Young Farmers Beneficiaries of PEA-Youth and PCP AFOP Public Programs Living in Central and Littoral Regions of Cameroon

Frank Audrey Tchokonthe, Honore Mimche — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: Agriculture continue to be an important sector for African countries’ development and for Cameroon development in particular. This study aimed at investigating determinants of youths’ involvement in agriculture and their impact on agriculture income for different entry mode.

Methods: The study used both qualitative and quantitative data from young farmers’ beneficiaries of PEA-Youth and PCP AFOP public programs living in Central and Coastal Regions in Cameroon.

Results: The study found out that age, number of dependent children, matrimonial status, presence of parents in agriculture, education, distance between farm and market, migrate from urban to rural before and the presence of public program for integration in agriculture are keys determinants of the different involvement ways in agriculture in Cameroon. Besides, qualitative analysis shows that farmers declare more pull or positive factors that have led them to entry into agriculture and amongst these factors the reasons such as profitability and autonomy of food security for the family are the most common.

Conclusion: It is more profitable for farmers to adopt agriculture by integration as first work or by mobility, rather than by diversification.

Recommendation: Public programs should promote agriculture by integration as first work or by mobility and target that kind of profile during the selection process of youth.