The Adoption of Soil Bunding Technology (SBT) by Farmers on Rice Productivity in the Northern Savanna Zone of Ghana

Authors

  • Dickson Maloon Kombiok Kundok Development Consult (KDC), P. O. Box 565, Tamale, Ghana
  • Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55677/ijlsar/V04I03Y2025-03

Keywords:

Soil Bunding Technology, Rice Production, Northern Savanna Zone, Adoption, Agricultural Sustainability.

Abstract

Rice farming is widespread in Ghana, with rising market demand stimulated by demographic pressures from urbanization. The problem in the Northern Savanna Zone is that rainfall is irregular and soils are poor.  Soil Bunding Technology (SBT) has been recommended as a possible solution to enhance water retention  and, therefore, production and productivity. This study aims to explore the factors that affect the adoption of  SBT among rice farmers, the effects of the technology on productivity and revenue, and the barriers to adoption. This research used a mixed-methods approach, which combined both quantitative and qualitative data  collection and analysis. A sample of 300 rice farmers was chosen using a multi-stage sampling method.  The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, profitability analysis, and regression models, including the Tobit and  Heckman selection models. The results of the study indicate that the adoption of SBT  leads to an increase in rice production and profitability. The results of the survey indicated that farmers who adopted  SBT received an average yield of 1140.27 kg from an acre compared to  666.11 kg from the non-adopters. The gross margins were also higher for the adopters  (Gh₵310.0) than the non-adopters  (Gh₵13.0), thus indicating that the practice is economically viable. Factors that affected adoption included extension  services, credit, and farm size. The study also revealed that the major constraints included low prices of  outputs, limited access to credit facilities, and labor burden. It was also established that extension support and financial  resources encouraged farmers to adopt and maintain SBT practices, which supports the idea of institutional support. To increase adoption, policymakers should offer financial rewards, enhance extension programs, and create better  market links. Finally, experts should encourage farmer-based organizations and community-driven conservation initiatives. Further work should be directed towards the long-term effects of the practices and other forms of conservation practices to improve sustainability.

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Published

2025-03-21

How to Cite

The Adoption of Soil Bunding Technology (SBT) by Farmers on Rice Productivity in the Northern Savanna Zone of Ghana. (2025). International Journal of Life Science and Agriculture Research , 4(03), 174-181. https://doi.org/10.55677/ijlsar/V04I03Y2025-03

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