Factors affecting farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Climate change, especially the variability of rainfall patterns, poses a threat to maize production in Ghana. Some farmers harvest rainwater and store it for maize production to cope with unpredicted rainfall patterns. However, there are only a few studies on the adoption of rainwater harvesting for maize production. This study analyses the factors that influence farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana. A probit regression model is applied for the empirical analysis, using primary data from 344 maize farmers. The results show that 38% of the farmers harvest rainwater. We found that male farmers, farmers with primary education, large-scale farmers, experienced farmers, and those with access to weather information are more likely to harvest rainwater, while older farmers, those with limited access to extension services and labor, and those who perceive changes in rainfall pattern and amount of rainfall are associated with a lower probability to harvest rainwater for maize production. The findings suggest that enhancing farmers' access to weather information and extension services and improving awareness of climate change are needed to promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting. For gender inclusiveness in the adoption of rainwater harvesting, policies need to consider the needs of women.
Date Issued
2022-09-28
Date Acceptance
2022-08-19
Citation
Frontiers in Water, 2022, 4, pp.1-11
ISSN
2624-9375
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Start Page
1
End Page
11
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Water
Volume
4
Copyright Statement
© 2022 Bessah, Donkor, Raji, Taiwo, Ololade, Strapasson, Amponsah and Agodzo. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Identifier
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/alexandre.strapasson
Subjects
rainwater harvesting
water management
climate change
maize production
adaptation strategies
Ghana
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Switzerland
Article Number
966966
Date Publish Online
2022-09-28