SMALL HOLDER FARMERS' ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN TWO DISTRICTS OF THE UPPER WEST REGION

Abstract

The continuous decline in cereal crop yields has serious impact on food security and related issues on the environment. This situation has led the study into the exploitation of profitable production measures proposed by stakeholders to enhance sustainable yield increases to facilitate the sustenance of the environment. This study was conducted in Wa East and Lawra Districts of the Upper West Region. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods in arriving at its findings. Questionnaires were used with face to face interviews to collect data for this study. The major findings of this study were that, the tools that were largely used in the application of animal manure included sacks and head pans. Compost application largely required sacks and head pans as well. Other tools mentioned for compost application included shovels, pick axe, wheel barrow, bicycle. Minimum tillage application tools were mainly Knapsack sprayers & weedicides. The estimated cost of the tools for the application of the respective practices were GH¢ 449.2, GH¢467.56, GH¢131.73 for animal manure, compost and minimum tillage respectively. The study also evaluated the profitability as well as sensitivity analysis of animal manure, compost and minimum tillage using partial budget analysis. The results showed profitability margins of GH¢ 448.2, GH¢327.5 and GH¢98.2 per acre per production season for animal manure, compost and minimum tillage respectively. These values were compared to GH¢15.3 when the farmer is not applying any of the three practices. Respondents‟ perception of animal manure, compost and minimum tillage showed that, respondents have good perception for the three practices leading to positive perception index scores of 5.23, 4.93, and 3.94 for animal manure, compost and minimum tillage respectively. The study therefore concludes that, smallholder farmers have good perception towards animal manure, compost and minimum tillage but their adoption decision is constrained by demographic characteristics, economic factors and plot characteristics. It is recommended that, smallholder farmers should come together in groups to acquire tools for the collective use of their respective groups and also boast their negotiation strengthen.