Determinants of improved groundnut variety adoption among farmers in Northern Ghana: a seed system analysis

Background: Despite the release and registration of several groundnut varieties in Ghana, adoption by farmers is low. Farmer-saved seeds have remained the most reliable source of planting material in the groundnut seed system leading to low productivity of the crop. Methods: This study analysed the groundnut seed system in Ghana based on data from 593 northern Ghanaian farmers. It used probit regression and descriptive statistics to identify factors influencing farmers' adoption of improved groundnut varieties, including household size, education, gender, ownership of bicycles, mobile phones, motorcycles, farming experience, farm size, demonstrational site visits, and proximity to agro-dealer shops. Results: The study highlights a farmer’s decision to adopt an improved groundnut variety was significantly influenced by household size, education, sex, ownership of bicycle, ownership of mobile phones, ownership of motorcycle, farming experience, groundnut farm size, demonstrational site visit, and distance to agro-dealer shops. Conclusion: The study has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of improved groundnut variety adoption in Northern Ghana and underscored the need for farmer education to promote improved seed adoption and enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods.