EFFECTS OF ACCESS AND USE OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION ON YIELD OF MAIZE IN TOLON AND KUMBUNGU DISTRICTS OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of farmers’ access to and use of agricultural information on the yield of maize in the Tolon and Kumbungu Districts. Thirty-nine respondents were randomly selected from each of the five communities studied in each district for the study. Questionnaires and personal interviews were used in collecting data from 390 maize farmers sampled for this study. Secondary data was also obtained from SARI and IITA offices to compliment the primary data. Descriptive statistics namely percentages and frequencies as well as correlation text and probit regression were used to analyse the data. The study results revealed that, land ownership, timely information, importance of information, understanding of information, utilization of information, access to labour, access to credit and access to extension have significant influence on access to and utilization of agricultural information. The study further established that farmers in the study area mainly access agricultural information through radio, mobile phone, input suppliers and agricultural extension agents. The information farmers considered very important to their maize farming was planting time and proper storage practices of maize. Finally, the study established that farmer’s access to and use of agricultural information had influence on the average yield per acre of maize. The research recommends that research institutions should identify and train input dealers in the various communities on improved maize farming methods. Government and other stakeholder responsible for the provision of improved agricultural information should offer training programme for lead farmers in the communities. Since lead farmers always interact with fellow farmers in their various communities.