Gender-disaggregated analysis of sustainable intensification practices adoption: A case of northern Ghana

Abstract

Agricultural productivity has remained low in Africa, especially among smallholder farmers. Women often suffer resource constraints and access to certain technologies needed to increase productivity relative to men. This study analyzes the effect of gender on the adoption of selected sustainable intensification practices (SIPs) in northern Ghana using a sample of 463 farmers involved in maize and cowpea production. Probit regression analysis revealed that age, membership of a farmer-based organisation (FBO), and perception of ease of adoption (PEC) would likely influence the decision of females to adopt SIPs. FBO membership and ease of adopting technologies affect both male and female farmers to adopt SIPs positively. SIPs adoption decisions by males are influenced by many factors relative to those of females, thus highlighting the complexities involved in agricultural technology adoption. These findings have implications for policymakers and development practitioners working to bridge the gender gap in agricultural productivity, particularly in developing countries. The article makes an empirical contribution to the innovation and technology adoption literature, especially in terms of the factors that drive gender-transformative processes. Strengthening FBOs and utilizing the concept of technology parks to deepen farmers’ perceptions and understanding of SIPs could help bridge the gender gap in technology adoption and improve productivity.

Keywords:

• adoption
• determinants of sustainable intensification
• gender-disaggregated
• maize
• cowpea
• northern Ghana

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the participants of the SD-Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies Research and Development Conference held on the University’s main campus, Wa, Ghana from November 2–4, 2022 for their comments and inputs.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge receipt of funding support from the Africa RISING programme with grant funding number [AID-BFS-G-11-00002].