FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF CERTIFIED SEED MAIZE AMONG FARMERS IN THE EJURA-SEKYEDUMASE MUNICIPAL AREA OF ASHANTI REGION, GHANA
ABSTRACT:
This study aimed to identify the factors that influence the adoption of certified seed maize varieties among farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipal area of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. To achieve this aim, the survey method was used to assess the perception of farmers about certified seeds and the logistic regression model was used to identify the factors that influence adoption of improved certified seed maize varieties in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal area of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. To assess the quality of certified seed, seed samples of Obatanpa, Omankwa, Abontem, Pannar 53, Pannar 12, Lake and Aburohuma (a landrace) collected from the research area were assessed using the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) techniques. The quality parameters assessed included moisture content, purity, germination, seedling vigour and seed health. The results obtained revealed that moisture content of all seed samples were below the expected value (12%) with the exception of AH1 (Aburohuma). The purity of all seed samples were also above the expected minimum value (95.8%) with the exception of AH1 (Aburohuma). The germination test conducted using the rolled or between paper as substrate recorded germination percentages above the minimum of 85%, with the exception of AH1. However, using sand as a substrate for germination, Pan 53 and Lake recorded lower germination percentages (69% and 51%). Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris spp, Macrophomena spp, Rhizopus spp and Colletrotrichum graminicola were present in different prevalence levels in all seed samples apart from the hybrids (Pan 12, Pan 53 and Lake). Farmers perceived certified seeds to be expensive among other factors. And finally, gender, farmer based organization (FBO) membership and nearness of farmers to seed source or the nearness of seed source to farmers had significant positive influence on adoption of certified seed maize.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF CERTIFIED SEED MAIZE AMONG FARMERS IN THE EJURA-SEKYEDUMASE MUNICIPAL AREA OF ASHANTI REGION, GHANA