Determinants of Farmers Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties in the Wa Municipality
Hussein Salifu, Abukari Alhassan, Katara Salifu

Abstract
This paper examines determinants of farmers’ adoption of improved maize varieties (IMVs) in the Beehi and Kpongu communities of the Wa municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The analysis involved a crosssectional survey with 300 systematic sampled household heads growing maize in the two selected communities. A binary logistic model was fitted to examine the determinants of adoption. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to select influential variables in to the logistic model. Results from factor analysis indicates that, six factor solution which accounts for 68.85% of the total variance was appropriate and adequate in explaining why differences exist in the choice of improved maize varieties among the farmers. The logistic analysis shows that age, marital status, education of household head,farmers’ experience in maize production and varietal characteristics were the most significant (P<0.05) factors that influenced adoption improved maize varieties. Predictors such as farm labor, extension services and belonging to farm organization did not show significant (P>0.05) influence on adoption of IMVs contrary to common beliefs and earlier empirical results. To improve food security of small-holder farmers in the Wa municipality agricultural extension should strengthen farmers’ knowledge and positive attitudes toward improved maize varieties through educational campaigns and on-farm trials. It is also important that, researchers in maize breeding should Chanel efforts towards developing varieties with wide adaptation.

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