TITLE:
The Impact of Government Agricultural Policies on the Productivity of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana
AUTHORS:
Alberta Quist, Bo Xiao
KEYWORDS:
Ghana, Smallholder Farmers, Food Security, Government Policies, Econometric Analysis, Input Subsidies, Price Supports
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
13,
2024
ABSTRACT: Government interventions play a crucial role in supporting smallholder farmers, as evidenced by this study that explores how government agricultural policies in Ghana impact the productivity of smallholder farmers, a vital sector of the nation’s economy. Through panel data analysis and fixed effects models, the study examines the influence of input subsidies, price supports, credit access, and extension services on farmer yields. The findings demonstrate a statistically significant positive effect of all these policies on productivity. These results emphasize the importance of government intervention for supporting smallholder farmers and propelling Ghana’s agricultural development. The study recommends continued and targeted policy implementation, robust data collection, stakeholder collaboration, and exploring climate-smart practices. Through these recommendations, Ghana can cultivate a supportive environment for smallholder farmers, fostering sustainable agricultural growth and bolstering their livelihoods.