THE EFFECTS OF GENDER AND ITS DISTRIBUTION IN FARM PRODUCTION ON MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY: THE CASE OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

This research looked at the effects of gender and its distribution in farm production on maize productivity in northern Ghana. The role played by gender in terms of labor input in the agricultural production process is equally as important as the gender of the farmer. The study was conducted in Northern Ghana where three out of the five regions were selected randomly; Northern, North-East and the Savanna Regions. From each region two districts each were randomly selected making six districts in all; North Gonja, Kalba/Sawla/Tuna, Tamale Metro, Savelugu/Nanton, West mamprusi and East Mamprusi. The same random sampling was used to select two communities from each district and then in the selection of the maize farmers in each community, resulting in a total sample of 312. The study employed the Multinomial Endogenous Treatment Effect and the Kendall Coefficient of Concordance in the analysis of the data. The results of the study reaveals that, Men contribute about 61% of labour hours whiles women contribute 39% in the entire production process of maize. About 70% of farmers entire maize production process is dominated by both male and female labour hours. 24% and 6% of the farmers had their production dominated by male labour hours and female labour hours respectively. In terms of farm activities, men dominated in ploughing, weeding, chemical and pest management, whiles women dominated in only one activity; cooking for farm labor. The rest of the other activities were dominated by both genders. The results also reveal that female farm mangers are more productive compared to male farm managers. However, a farm that is dominated by male labour hours record higher yield than those dominated by female labour hours. By way of policy recommedation, the study suggests maize productivity improvement programs should have a segregated gender approach.