Factors Influencing Credit Default: A Case Study of Maize Farmers in the Asante Akim North District of Ashanti Region

Abstract In order to empirically assess the factors causing the default of credit repayment among maize farmers, a study of this nature becomes imperative. The Asante Akim North District of the Ashanti Region was selected because, maize farmers in the District had benefitted from the Special Maize Project (SMP). The target population was all 400 maize farmers. A total sample size of 60 maize farmers was selected using the systematic sampling for every 5th person from the sampling frame. Frequencies, percentages and the probit model were used to analyse the data. Results of the probit model revealed that age, household size, rent, status of farmer and output significantly influence credit default. About 87% of the farmers consider the SMP idea as a good step by MOFA. The study recommends that farmers from different areas should also be included in the project

Improving Support Systems for Cocoa Farmers beyond Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease Infestation

Cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) has severely hampered the production of cocoa in Ghana since pre-colonial days. The Ghana Cocoa Board has put several measures in place to support cocoa farmers in the fight against the CSSVD. This present study captures how the CSSVD affects cocoa farmers and the support systems for such situations. Using a survey design, the study employed the multi-stage sampling technique to select 413 cocoa farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to seek information from the cocoa farmers. A multiple linear regression model was estimated to analyse the data. The CSSVD affects the living standards of cocoa farmers through their economic wellbeing, thus, household income and assets accumulation. The social wellbeing of farmers is also affected by the CSSVD through their socio-cultural (participation in cooperatives and communal activities) and educational activities (participation in extension education activities). The implication is that the current support systems given to cocoa farmers after being affected by the CSSVD need to be strengthened, enhanced and made holistic to cover their economic and social wellbeing. Economic and social interventions aimed at increasing the resilience of cocoa farmers in the face of the CSSVD will be helpful in this direction

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Decision of Cooked Food Vendors on KNUST Campus to Practice Book Keeping

Proper bookkeeping practices are essential for business performance and sustainability. Unfortunately, most small and medium-scale businesses, including food vending businesses, do not practice proper bookkeeping and, thus, suffer in making financing and investment decisions regarding their operations. Using cross-sectional data from a sample of 70 vendors randomly selected from a population of 200 cooked food vendors on the KNUST campus, the research investigated the factors influencing the vendor's decision to practice proper bookkeeping in their business operations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. About 76% of the food vendors were aware of bookkeeping practices and acknowledged the value of bookkeeping as a tool to monitor their financial performance and identify strategies to enhance profitability. Two-thirds of the vendors practiced bookkeeping, with 56% keeping financial records and a third keeping inventory records. Among the various factors examined, age, educational level, awareness, startup capital, profitability, access to credit, and experience were identified as the significant factors affecting the decision of a cooked food vendor to practice bookkeeping. The study recommends the need for food vendors to consider bookkeeping as a priority activity to enhance their financial accountability, business growth, and informed decisions about their operations, and thus the overall performance and sustainability of food vending businesses

FARMERS' ACCESSIBILITY AND USE OF HYBRID COCOA SEEDLINGS FOR COCOA REHABILITATION: EMPIRICAL RESULTS FROM AMENFI CENTRAL DISTRICT, GHANA

The introduction of hybrid seedlings of cocoa by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) was intended to replace old and diseased trees which were less productive. We conducted a study to investigate the accessibility and use of hybrid cocoa seedlings (Series II, the Modified Series II, Inter Amazon, Trinitario, Clones, Criollo and Nacional) for the cocoa rehabilitation exercise. Working with 385 cocoa farmers selected from the Amenfi Central District using the multi-stage sampling technique, we analyzed the data with statistical tools such as the mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, multiple linear regression and chi-square test of independence. Based on the general perception of the cocoa farmers (PI=3.71), we found that they had positive perceptions of the improved hybrid cocoa seedlings. Cocoa farmers’ access to all the hybrid cocoa seedlings is significantly associated with their use (P<0.05). We also found that cocoa farmers who were highly experienced and had small farm sizes had more access to and used hybrid cocoa seedlings (P<0.05). While, access to labour and ownership of lands had influence on access to hybrid cocoa seedlings (P<0.05), high yields and membership of cooperatives had influence on the use of hybrid cocoa seedlings (P<0.05). The lack of access to credit is indicated by farmers as their most severe challenge in accessing and using hybrid seedlings. The outcome of the study suggests that the cost of the hybrid seedlings must be subsidized and the distribution of the seedlings must be done through the farmer cooperatives to enhance accessibility and use

ANALYSING COCOA FARMERS' PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF PRINT MEDIA FOR EXTENSION DELIVERY IN ADANSI ASOKWA, GHANA

Community extension agents have been using various print materials like books, posters, flip charts, brochures, leaflets, newspapers, journals, magazines, and additional livelihood books to transfer improved agricultural technologies and information to cocoa farmers. However, the perception of farmers on these materials in aiding the adoption of innovations is unknown. A quantitative research approach was employed, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 310 respondents. The study utilized both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to achieve its research objectives. Results indicate that cocoa farmers perceive there are low levels of print media availability, utilization, preferability, and effectiveness. Despite the low perception of effectiveness, print media remains highly accessible to cocoa farmers and is a cost-effective method for delivering extension services. Its longevity and high engagement also contribute to its effectiveness. Factors such as household size, farm distance, marital status, years of cocoa cultivation, years of cooperative membership, economic activity, and educational level have a positive and significant influence on cocoa farmers' accessibility, utilization, and effectiveness of print media. Farmers are challenged by the infrequent and delayed delivery of print media. Agricultural agencies must therefore prioritize the timely delivery of print materials for extension activities to ensure that farmers can use them effectively

Dimensions of Accessibility and Use of Information Communication Technology Among Cocoa Farmers in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana

This research examined the drivers of accessibility and use of information communication technologies (ICTs) by cocoa farmers. A sample size of four hundred (400) cocoa farmers was selected using a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Data were analysed using percentage, means, standard deviation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and multiple linear regression model. The study revealed that mobile phones, radio and television are the most available (Mean=4.99, 4.95 and 4.85 respectively), accessible (Mean=4.97, 4.83 and 4.40 respectively) and utilised (Mean=4.97, 4.81 and 4.30 respectively) ICT tools by cocoa farmers. There is a relatively high level of availability of ICT (Mean=3.57), a moderate level of accessibility (Mean=2.90) and low use (Mean=2.19) of ICT tools. Cocoa farmers’ mainly used ICTs tools to acquire information on their cocoa farm activities (Mean=4.82). Gender, age, education and farmer-based organisation participation affected farmers accessibility of ICT tools. Age, education and farm experience significantly affected farmers’ use of ICT tools. The greatest challenge faced by cocoa farmers in accessing and using ICT tools is a lack of skills in operating the tools (Mean rank=2.24). Training on ICT use should be intensified by all relevant stakeholders to enable cocoa farmers to increase their use of ICT tools

Dimensions of Accessibility and Use of Information Communication Technology Among Cocoa Farmers in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana

This research examined the drivers of accessibility and use of information communication technologies (ICTs) by cocoa farmers. A sample size of four hundred (400) cocoa farmers was selected using a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Data were analysed using percentage, means, standard deviation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and multiple linear regression model. The study revealed that mobile phones, radio and television are the most available (Mean=4.99, 4.95 and 4.85 respectively), accessible (Mean=4.97, 4.83 and 4.40 respectively) and utilised (Mean=4.97, 4.81 and 4.30 respectively) ICT tools by cocoa farmers. There is a relatively high level of availability of ICT (Mean=3.57), a moderate level of accessibility (Mean=2.90) and low use (Mean=2.19) of ICT tools. Cocoa farmers’ mainly used ICTs tools to acquire information on their cocoa farm activities (Mean=4.82). Gender, age, education and farmer-based organisation participation affected farmers accessibility of ICT tools. Age, education and farm experience significantly affected farmers’ use of ICT tools. The greatest challenge faced by cocoa farmers in accessing and using ICT tools is a lack of skills in operating the tools (Mean rank=2.24). Training on ICT use should be intensified by all relevant stakeholders to enable cocoa farmers to increase their use of ICT tools

Investigating Social Capital Levels Among Small Holder Maize Farmers in the Kwahu North District, Ghana

The process of community development has often been linked with social capital, in recent times. Using a household-level survey data, this study investigates social capital levels among small-holder maize farmers in the Kwahu North district of the Eastern region of Ghana. The results of the study show that there exists a low level of social contacts among farmers in the study area. However, there are moderate levels of information flow, access to resources and attendance to community activities among the sampled farmers. The level of social capital was found to be relatively high, as a majority of the respondents were at the moderate level and beyond. The study recommends that there is the need for behavioural change among farmers, particularly with their social contacts, as this could help further enhance their social capital and hence their livelihoods

Perception Matters: Exploring Climate Variability, Mitigation and the Effect on Cocoa Productivity in Adansi Brofoyedru, Ghana

In a rapidly changing climate, understanding the dynamics of cocoa farming and its vulnerability to climate variability is of paramount importance. By recognizing the power of perception and the complex interplay between climate factors and farming practices, we unlock novel pathways to build resilience among cocoa farmers. This innovative study aims to explore farmers' perceptions of various climate change issues. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from a sample of 400 cocoa farmers. The analysis reveals four dimensions of perceptions: (1) the most influential climatic variable was rainfall, (2) the most adopted mitigation intervention practiced by the farmers was pest control, (3) mitigation interventionsaffects cocoa productivity and (4) high cost of inputs constraints their use of the interventions. Identifying rainfall as the most influential climatic variable highlights the need for targeted interventions where policymakers focus on water management and irrigation systems to help farmers adapt to changing rainfall pattern