Yieldwise model adoption on post-harvest loss reduction and livelihood of smallholder maize farmers in the Wa Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

This study sought to assess the impact of adoption of the YieldWise model on postharvest loss reduction and livelihood of smallholder maize farmers in the Wa Municipality using an established crop aggregation center, Antika for a case study. The study employed random and purposive sampling techniques to sample 140 smallholder maize farmers and 10 Antika crop aggregation center managers in the Wa Municipality. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the selected sample population. The findings revealed that the timelines of input supply, ready market, access to extension service, availability of recommended inputs, and training on post-harvest loss reduction are factors influencing the adoption of the YieldWise model by smallholder farmers in the Wa Municipality. The availability of recommended inputs was the main influencing factor, followed by access to extension service, while ready market was the least. The introduction of the YieldWise model had an impact on the harvesting and postharvest loss reduction among smallholder maize farmers in the selected study area. The adoption of the model contributed to a reduction in harvesting losses by an average of 46.24 kg/ha (25.66 %), reduction in shelling and threshing losses by 28.11 kg/ha (19.74 %), reduction in storage losses 12.85 kg/ha (54.99 %), whereas transportation losses remained almost same; thus, 0.62 kg/ha and 0.68 kg/ha for Antika and non-Antika farmers respectively. The study revealed that, the adoption of the YieldWise model by Antika for it business operation has contributed to the improvement of the livelihood of smallholder maize farmers in the Wa Municipality. Many farmers (30.4 %) could secure food for their families throughout the year, 26.5 % could pay for their children’s school fees, 17.1 % of the farmers have been able to purchase a motorcycle or tricycle, 11.1 % of the farmers have been able to expand their main occupation, 10.6% have built new houses, and 4.3 % have been able to marry. The study recommends that a ready market is incorporated into the YieldWise model to help farmers market their produce promptly. The model should also consider transportation assistance to smallholder farmers to reduce transportation losses.