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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
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2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.15797 |
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| _version_ | 1866917501166682112 |
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| author | Yevu, Innocent Yao Nimoh, Fred Arthur, Edward Essampong, Attah-Nyame Addo, Asante Emmanuel Kevin, Addai |
| author_facet | Yevu, Innocent Yao Nimoh, Fred Arthur, Edward Essampong, Attah-Nyame Addo, Asante Emmanuel Kevin, Addai |
| contents | Although tractor services are increasingly used in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, access remains uneven, and some smallholder maize farmers still rely on labour-intensive production methods. This study investigated the profitability effects and adoption determinants of tractor service utilisation in Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Cross-sectional data were collected from 359 farmers using multi-stage proportionate random sampling. A multivariate probit model identified simultaneous adoption determinants across ploughing and shelling services. Propensity score matching (PSM) estimated a positive profitability effect of GHS 471 per acre after controlling for observable selection bias. Users achieved a net profit margin of 29.87 percent and a return-to-cost ratio of 42.60 percent, compared with 25.10 percent and 33.51 percent for non-users, respectively. Farming experience and fertiliser intensity positively predicted adoption, while farm size exerted a consistent negative influence; this may suggest supply-side availability constraints, including potential fleet-capacity limitations. The negative FBO result may reflect labour-sharing functions that substitute for paid mechanized services; this mechanism should be tested directly in future work. Kendall's W (0.381) indicated moderate agreement in farmers' rankings, with financial constraints ranked as the leading barrier. The study recommends targeted credit facilitation, possible AMSEC fleet expansion pending supply-side verification, intensified extension services, gender-responsive mechanisation policies, and redesigned FBO programmes. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2411_15797 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Tractor Service Utilization, Profitability, and Adoption Determinants Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana Yevu, Innocent Yao Nimoh, Fred Arthur, Edward Essampong, Attah-Nyame Addo, Asante Emmanuel Kevin, Addai Econometrics Although tractor services are increasingly used in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, access remains uneven, and some smallholder maize farmers still rely on labour-intensive production methods. This study investigated the profitability effects and adoption determinants of tractor service utilisation in Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Cross-sectional data were collected from 359 farmers using multi-stage proportionate random sampling. A multivariate probit model identified simultaneous adoption determinants across ploughing and shelling services. Propensity score matching (PSM) estimated a positive profitability effect of GHS 471 per acre after controlling for observable selection bias. Users achieved a net profit margin of 29.87 percent and a return-to-cost ratio of 42.60 percent, compared with 25.10 percent and 33.51 percent for non-users, respectively. Farming experience and fertiliser intensity positively predicted adoption, while farm size exerted a consistent negative influence; this may suggest supply-side availability constraints, including potential fleet-capacity limitations. The negative FBO result may reflect labour-sharing functions that substitute for paid mechanized services; this mechanism should be tested directly in future work. Kendall's W (0.381) indicated moderate agreement in farmers' rankings, with financial constraints ranked as the leading barrier. The study recommends targeted credit facilitation, possible AMSEC fleet expansion pending supply-side verification, intensified extension services, gender-responsive mechanisation policies, and redesigned FBO programmes. |
| title | Tractor Service Utilization, Profitability, and Adoption Determinants Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana |
| topic | Econometrics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.15797 |