Training, modern farm practices, and input credits in Northern Ghana: the role of maize outgrower schemes

Abstract

Purpose In this paper the hypothesis studied the role of maize outgrower schemes in training, modern farm practices, and input credits in Northern Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A recent cross-sectional data were obtained from 300 maize farmers, encompassing 162 participants and 138 non-participants in outgrower schemes. To account for observed and unobserved selection bias and endogeneity, we estimated an exponential mean model and a probit model with endogenous regressors. Findings We observed that training and adoption of modern farm practices were more prevalent among outgrowers than non-outgrowers. Relative to on-farm, training and adoption of off-farm and postharvest activities among both outgrowers and non-outgrowers proved to be rare. We found causal relationships between the maize outgrower scheme and outcome variables (farm practices, agricultural training, and input credits from other sources). Specifically, we observed direct effects of outgrower participation on modern farm practices and agricultural training. Input credits from other sources reduce participation in outgrower schemes, while farm practices reduce input credits from other sources. Research limitations/implications Farmer associations be further bolstered and connected to outgrower schemes. Originality/value Studies that report the roles of maize outgrower schemes in training, modern farm practices, and input credits in Northern Ghana are scarce.