Ghanaian Agricultural Actors’ Interpretations and Adaptations to Chinese Capital Mobility into Ghana’s Agricultural Sector

Abstract

China’s rise as a new economic power has generated many challenges and prospects which have direct origins on how people interpret and adapt to every economic relationship with other developing countries. This paper interrogated the interpretations and the mode of adaptations which actors in the agricultural sector of Ghana have developed toward Chinese capital mobility. The study used qualitative methods involving 6 interviews and 10 focus group discussions with 64 purposively selected individuals, groups, state and non-state institutions in the agricultural sector. The interpretations, as observed, were varied with direct connections with three forms of adaptations. First, agricultural actors’ decision to purchase a Chinese product was influenced by a combination of their interpretations, knowledge of the efficacy of Chinese products, as well as the product cost. Second, there were adaptations which served as cultural and social impediments to the efficient use of Chinese products. Third, the adaptations sought to correct the impediments. These interpretations and adaptations suggest that the nature of the Chinese capital mobility could be promising and beneficial albeit challenging and threatening.

Keywords:

• Adaptations
• agriculture
• capital mobility
• interpretations

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).