Factors influencing the adoption of grasscutter production in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana

Abstract

The Government of Ghana and NGOs have been promoting grasscutter production in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana in the last nine years. NGOs support farmers with training to acquire knowledge and skills in grasscutter rearing. Although some farmers are given training, they do not go into production. This study was aimed at finding out the factors facilitating or hindering the adoption of grasscutter farming in the Brong Ahafo region. A total of 50 farmers comprising two focus groups (adopters and non-adopters) that were trained were identified and interviewed. Focus group questions were based on Rogers' and Pantanali's models of adoption where characteristics of farmers, labour, finance and the social system are considered as essential factors affecting adoption. The data was analyzed by using SPSS computer programme. Pearson Correlation was used to determine the relationship between adoption and the variables studied. Farmers' decision on the adoption of grasscutter farming was positively affected by sex, marital status and funding, and negatively affected by age and education. Occupation had no influence on adoption. Lack of breeding stock and initial capital required to purchase breeding stock and cages were found to be constraints. It was concluded that the characteristics of individual farmers should be taken into consideration during training needs assessment, and give each individual the appropriate training. It was also recommended that NGOs should strengthen grasscutter farmers' association so that they can provide credit to grasscutter trainees, especially women and the youth, to purchase start-up breeding stock and cages.