Determinants of smallholder farmers’ access to agricultural extension services: Evidence from northern Ghana

Abstract:

The agricultural extension system in Ghana continues to face institutional and structural challenges that limit equitable service delivery. This study examines the determinants of access to extension services among 299 maize farmers in Yendi Municipality, Northern Region, Ghana, using a cross-sectional survey. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing farmers’ access, while Friedman and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance tests were used to rank perceived barriers. The findings reveal that marital status, farm size, ownership of a mobile phone, and years of education significantly influence access to extension services. In contrast, gender, age, rural residence, and access to credit were not significant predictors. The model demonstrated strong explanatory power. Ranking results indicated significant differences in farmers’ perceptions, with a high level of agreement. Key constraints include illiteracy, limited ability to use electronic extension platforms, unfavourable extension-to-farmer ratios, and inadequate financing. Overall, access to extension services is driven more by household location, income, education, and digital connectivity than by basic demographic characteristics. The study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and development partners address literacy gaps, bridge the digital divide, strengthen extension capacity, and improve financial support to ensure inclusive and effective service delivery.