Perceptions of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) farmers on production technologies in the Agona West Municipality, Central Region - Ghana

Abstract

The study sought to assess the dynamics of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) Produc­tion Technologies being used in the Agona West Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Farmers were selected from 20 communities with the help of staff from the Department of Ag­riculture and were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The results revealed that though the grasscutter farmers were varied in their views, the dissemination of grasscutter technologies through video in the study area was deemed to be effective. The results of the Logistic regression model (R-Square values of 0.119 and 0.158) showed that the impact of the dissemination pro­gramme on the livelihoods of farmers who had adopted the grasscutter production technologies was best predicted by age, household size and level of education of farmers. The overall mean, 3.99 showed that the livelihoods of the farmers had highly been improved. The paper makes a strong case for a more participatory approach anchored on inclusive problem identification and formulation of research solution that will further ensure that problems that are targeted by re­search emanate from farmers. This is expected to ensure a more effective extension of research technologies to farmers and other actors along the grasscutter value chain in the area.

Keywords: Grasscutter; Production Technologies; Agona West Municipality; Central Region; Ghana