Irene Susana Egyir

University of Ghana | Legon · AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND AGRIBUSINESS

As women's empowerment is critical for the adoption of agricultural technologies by farmers, some governments have over the last three decades adopted a gender equality approach to food security. In Ghana, women play a vital role as farmers and food processors, which means they impact household nutrition in important ways. In this article, we explo...

Over the past few decades, scientists have discovered Aquaponics as an innovative method for growing food that may hold the key to efficiently and sustainably feeding the world's population and serving as a job avenue for young graduates. Although many studies have shown aquaponic food production to be technically feasible, there are relatively few...

Understanding how and the extent to which contract farming arrangements impact agricultural productivity is important to ensuring that policies are designed to maximize the likelihood of success. Using cross-sectional data from 516 soybean farmers in Northern Ghana, we provide empirical evidence that contract farming increases soybean productivity...

Organic agriculture (OA) is often regarded as a sustainable agricultural pathway for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, and an increasing number of initiatives promoting OA were initiated over the last decades. However, holistic empirical evidence on the effects of such initiatives on the sustainability of smallholder farmersis still scanty...

Abstract/Description In many parts of the world, there is a clear need for investment in agriculture to counteract low yields and food insecurity. Focusing only on short-term production gains, however, through technologies such as improved seeds, irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides, increases risks to the environment and human health. Assessing...

CONTEXT Eco-efficiency offers a promising approach for the sustainable intensification of production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which is widely used for eco-efficiency analyses, is however sensitive to outliers and the analysis of the influence of external factors in the second stage requires the separability as...

The potential of organic agriculture and agroecological approaches for improving food security in Africa is a controversial topic in global discussions. While there is a number of meta-analyses on the environmental, agronomic and financial performance of organic farming, most of the underlying data stems from on-station field trials from temperate...

To achieve equitable sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI), it is essential to understand differential access and control over agricultural resources by women and youth, and to assess how intensification interacts with gendered and age-dependent relationships. Existing packages for assessing women's empowerment in agriculture tend to be la...

This article examines the pig value chain in the Kassena Nankana East District of Ghana using data from 108 pig value chain actors. The empirical results revealed that the pig value chain actors added a considerable amount of value, of which processors added the highest value. Processors were perceived to be the most important actors in the governa...

Despite increasing sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) investments, indicators for detecting gender and intergenerational inequities in SAI costs and benefits sharing often remain overgeneralized, theoretical, or locally irrelevant. We examine the relative value of, and how to, customize standard SAI indicators to detect such inequities...

In a context of more involvement of the private sector in the provision of agricultural extension services as policy option in Burkina Faso, and since policy evidence is needed to better inform policy makers; a study was conducted to assess the perception of farmers under private and public extension systems about the quality of their services. Fou...

This article investigates the production and market participation decisions of smallholder cowpea producers in the Northern Region of Ghana. It estimated the factors influencing cowpea production and market participation decisions. A cross-sectional primary data of 300 respondents were sampled from four districts in the northern region of Ghana for...

Purpose - Due to rapid urbanization, rice consumption in Togo has also rapidly increased. Most consumers prefer imported rice over domestically-produced rice due to the higher quality of the imported rice. The present study shows it is possible to upgrade the quality of Togo’s domestically-produced rice by providing technical and management support...

An assessment of drivers of maize storage losses was undertaken in south west Benin applying the Fractional Response Model on information collected from 400 smallholder maize farmers. The mean loss of maize during the storage period reported by farmers was estimated at 10.25 percent of the total harvest. The average marginal effect obtained from th...

The study analyses the relationship between the growth of the construction industry and economic shocks in Ghana over the 50-year period from 1968 to 2017 using an autoregressive modelling scheme that incorporates several economic shocks as separate independent variables. The independent variables used in the model included one positive economic sh...

To ensure an efficient marketing with attractive profit margins in supply chains, factors influencing relationship choice between farmers and buyers require critical assessment. Choice of marketing relationship is the bane of most agricultural commodity supply chains in Northern Ghana. The type of relationship agreed between farmers and buyers dete...

To ensure an efficient marketing with attractive profit margins in supply chains, factors influencing relationship choice between farmers and buyers require critical assessment. Choice of marketing relationship is the bane of most agricultural commodity supply chains in Northern Ghana. The type of relationship agreed between farmers and buyers dete...

The present study examines the adoption of Jatropha Curcas as a bioenergy crop in West Mamprusi and Mion districts of Northern Ghana. A gender analysis is also undertaken. Using data from 400 farmers, the study employs a propensity score matching method to analyze the impact of the adoption of Jatropha Curcas on total crop incomes of farmers. The s...

Organic farming and genetically modified (GM) crops technologies are currently being promoted as alternatives to conventional farming that is seen as unsustainable. However, institutional constraints can impede the adoption of even the most sustainable technology. This paper analysed the effect of institutional factors on farmers’ adoption of conve...

This paper examined farm households’ cropland allocation decisions under credit constraints in rural Burkina Faso. A fully observed recursive mixed-process model was used to correct for the endogeneity of credit in farm households’ land allocation decisions in a multi-cropping context. Estimating the model with survey data collected in 2011 using t...

This study examined farmers’ willingness to pay for excreta pellet fertilizer in Ghana. Primary data was obtained from 461 farmers in 10 districts in the Western and Greater Accra regions of Ghana through randomized questionnaire administration. The contingent valuation method was used in eliciting the farmers’ willingness to pay decisions (WTP) an...

Purpose Credit is central in labour allocation decisions in smallholder agriculture in developing countries. This paper analysed the effect of credit constraints on farm households’ labour allocation decisions in rural Burkina Faso. Design/methodology/approach The study used a direct elicitation approach of credit constraints and applied a farm...

Purpose This paper analyzes determinants of farmers’ participation and credit rationing in microcredit programs using survey data from Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The authors use the Garrett Ranking Technique to analyze farmers’ reasons for participation or non-participation in credit programs, a probit regression model to estimate factor...

This paper discusses the gender dimensions of climate change adaptation strategies among small holder crop farmers in the transition zone of Ghana. A total of 612 farmers (328 females and 284 males) were interviewed using purposive sampling technique. Our results indicate that adaptation strategies are gendered with men mostly resorting to on-farm...

Using count models, this paper assesses the intensity of land and water management practices among smallholder maize farmers in Ghana and the factors driving the number of practices adopted. Farmers’ use of fertiliser, non-burning of farmland and ploughing-in of vegetative cover are the practices adopted the most. The paper cautiously notes that th...

There are many controversies about the relative performances of conventional farming (CF), organic farming (OF) and genetically modified crops farming (GMCF) technologies. This paper aimed to identify the overall best technology by reviewing the performances of CF, OF and GMCF from a green economics perspective. Existing literature could not allow...

There are many controversies about the relative performances of conventional farming (CF), organic farming (OF) and genetically modified crops farming (GMCF) technologies. This paper reviewed the performances of CF, OF and GMCF in order to identify the overall best technology. An integrated framework of green economic performance was used. Existing...

Background Several state and non-state organizations are promoting organic agriculture as a climate smart option among cocoa farmers in the Ashanti region of Ghana. In this study, flora diversity and livelihoods position in organic and conventional farming were measured and compared. The experiment included 32 households with young plantations. Jac...

Biogas (anaerobic digestion) technology is one of the most viable renewable energy technologies today. However, its economic efficiency depends on the investment costs, costs of operating the biogas plant and optimum methane production. Likewise the profit level also rests on its use directly for cooking or conversion into electricity. The present...

Modern productivity-enhancing strategies (MPES) are considered to be some of the best adaptation options available to communities in the face of changing climatic conditions. The adaptive capacity of communities living around two protected areas (Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve and Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site) in Ghana were assessed in relation to MPES b...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Heckman's two-stage regression model to identify types of rationing faced by farmers and investigate factors t...

The continual cropping of vegetable lands in the city of Accra necessitates the application of fertiliser in order to improve and sustain production. This paper addresses the question as to whether it is feasible to up-scale and use sanitised human urine as an alternative low-cost fertiliser for vegetable farming in Accra. The study used survey dat...

The fruit and vegetable sub-sector of horticultural products has attained important status in the Ghanaian economy since the liberalisation and export diversification pursued after the introduction of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) and the Structural adjustment (SAP) which followed in the 1980's. Ghana's trade policies since then have been t...

Farmer Based Organization (FBO) is one of the key support service actors in agricultural value chains in developing economies. The dimensions of the FBOs that constitute social capital and how they enhance access to credit are the concern of this study. Information was collected from 210 FBO members and non-members in the Karaga district of Norther...

This study is concerned with how markets of agricultural commodities have responded to the improved ICT-based market information services in Ghana since 2005. The data employed are monthly prices wholesale from 2001-2010, covering four markets in the Northern and Greater Accra regions. The data was used to estimate a threshold autoregressive model...

Northern Ghana is noted for perennial low and varying agricultural production and this is manifest by persistent vulnerability of inhabitants (mostly farmers) to food insecurity. The low agricultural production has been linked to effects of climate change. New technologies and cultivation practices aimed at enabling farmers to maximise their produc...

Market survey data from Ghana was used to gain understanding of consumers’ attitudes, preferences for foreign food products, and the role product country of origin plays in the demand for poultry. Intention to purchase poultry from the US was anchored on product packaging, quality, expiry date and country of origin.

This study is concerned with how markets of agricultural commodities have responded to the improved ICT-based market information services in Ghana since 2005. The data employed are monthly prices wholesale from 2001-2010, covering four markets in the Northern and Greater Accra regions. The data was used to estimate a threshold autoregressive model...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the key factors that influence the adoption of agrochemicals on plantain farms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs probit estimation using data from a stratified random sample of 249 farmers in four districts in Ghana. Findings The results show that adoption of agroch...

This paper presents a study designed to establish the factors which influence the initial entry and continued success of Ghanaian export-based firms into overseas markets dealing with non-traditional fresh agricultural products. The analysis is based on the estimation of a Heckman selection model using data from 52 exporters of fresh horticultural...

This study employs the Agricultural Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI) systems analysis framework to assess the policy environment of Ghana, key plantain actors' competencies and performance, and the effectiveness of linkages as indicators of innovation capacity. Data from over 358 respondents were collected. The results of the study show th...

The introduction of "fufu" flour is an innovative business venture that young entrepreneurs should explore. However, the level of costs and returns as well as institutional support to sustain the industry is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the profitability of "fufu" flour and the strength of the institutional framework....

The study investigates farmers’ perceptions of pests, pest control practices and their Willingness to Pay (WTP) for a new biopesticide in Ghana. The survey results suggest a rising trend in vegetable pest intensity with significant variation in farmers’ pest control practices, especially their choice of pesticide(s). Farmers are willing to pay a su...

The raising global food prices and food insecurity of many poor rural households in developing countries can partly be attributed to the failure of the existing market structures. The study specifically examines the trends in the monthly prices of groundnut, ascertains whether the groundnut markets in the North and the South markets is integrated....

The integration of “Sonkyi” Allanblackia spp into cocoa farming systems has been initiated in Southern Ghana. Currently, it is a collection activity although its domestication is being championed by Unilever R&D Netherlands in collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana. Feasibility studies suggest that the venture is viable for far...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine women farmers' access to credit from rural banks (RBs) in the Upper East region of Ghana. The paper examines the nature of credit supply by the RBs to their customers and the proportion that goes to women over a ten year period. It proposes the modelling of socio‐economic, technical and institutional...

Credit is an effective tool that can be used to turn life around for a person, a family or transform self-image, unlock potential and boost the productivity and well-being of the poor. This paper examines the extent of women farmers’ access to credit from Rural Banks (RBs) in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data were collected from randomly sampled...

The Agricultural Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI) systems' analysis framework was developed by CTA in 2004 to assess the policy environment and how it enhances key actors' competencies and performance in relation to innovativeness as well as the effectiveness of linkages among actors of any subsector in an economy. Recent studies have show...

The traditional way of information dissemination has been through people; the modern way is through the electronic media – improved information and communication technologies (ICTs). For effectiveness, modern ICTs should help women to improve on their income generating capacity. Issues of level of resource capacity of women, information needed, and...

Over the last few years, the production of plantain has been increasing due to the introduction of some high yielding varieties. Unfortunately, very high post-harvest losses are incurred annually due to lack of appropriate storage technologies. This study evaluated the effect of shea butter as a food-grade wax on the pre-climacteric life and sensor...

Purpose- The issue of export success and the ability to sustain oneself in international horticultural markets have become more critical in the recent global and economic downturn because of its significance to the economy and to actors in the horticultural export chain. The extent of success is even much critical for enterprises. Therefore this st...

In this study, a survey of two hundred and fifty-five (255) farmers, sampled from the Akuapim South District in the Eastern Region and the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana was undertaken to determine their willingness to adopt and pay for solar drying technology for drying food. Using descriptive statistics, farmers' awareness, wil...

Marine resources are depleting, making the dependence of economies on fish from such sources no longer the best option. Aquaculture has been suggested as an alternative livelihood. This study assesses the willingness of marine artisanal fishermen in the coastal region of Ghana to adopt aquaculture. The Effutu municipality in the central region of G...