The role of improved technology to enhance Total Factor Productivity (TFP): The case of quality seed yam production in Ghana and Nigeria

Abstract

To promote the dissemination of Positive Selection (PS) technology for quality seed yam production, this study was undertaken to provide empirical evidence and to examine differences in the Total Factor Productivity resulting from the use of PS technology. Through multistage sampling, 368 CAY-Seed beneficiaries from Ghana and Nigeria were sampled. Results indicate that productivity of PS technology was 0.758 as compared to 0.700 for non-use of PS. Furthermore, the use of PS also led to a reduction in technology gap by 2.3%. The most important factors of seed yam productivity were: land, seed, labour, chemical and neem leaf powder application with sex, experience, education, cropping system and extension as the inefficiency determinants. It is therefore recommended that the PS technology should be widely disseminated with policies to reduce inefficiency.

Keywords:

• CAY-Seed
• Non-PS
• PS
• Productivity
• Seed
• Yam

Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to BMGF and the CAY-Seed management for funding this study. We are also grateful to IITA, MSHR and MoFA extension within the project communities in Ghana and Nigeria for their diverse roles.