Determinants of smallholder maize farmers' access to weather information services: The role of socioeconomic and institutional factors in Ghana

Abstract:

The study evaluated the types of weather information smallholder maize farmers can access and the socio-economic and institutional factors affecting their ability to access them in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study used a mixed-method research design involving a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The population consisted of all the maize farmers in Mion municipality. A sample of 400 smallholder maize farmers was selected and determined using Cochran's sample size determination formula. Structured questionnaires were used for the quantitative data collection, while Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews were used for the qualitative data collection. The quantitative data were analysed using inferential statistics such as cross tabulation, bivariate factor analysis and bivariate probit regression model with the help of SPSS (version 27). Content analysis was then used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings showed that smallholder maize farmers in the study area have access to information on rainfall amount and distribution, temperature forecasts, wind speed and direction, onset and cessation of rain, seasonal forecasts, weather warnings, and other weather information. Bivariate regression analysis also indicated that knowledge of and use of weather information, reliability of weather information, input/output prices, and soil fertility management are significant factors influencing smallholder maize farmers' access to weather information in the study area. The study recommends that government and agricultural extension services should focus on spreading the identified forms of weather information to all maize farmers using mobile messages and local radio stations, as they form an essential part of farmers' decision-making. Furthermore, the capacity of farmers, especially elderly farmers, to access critical weather information and to make informed decisions on farming activities should be strengthened through training that should be supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and NGOs.