Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Harvesting Technology Adoption among Irrigated Rice Farmers on the Kpong Irrigation Project in Ghana
Justice G. Djokoto, Seth Blackie

Abstract
Farmers have cultivated rice on the Kpong Irrigation Project (KIP) since 1997 using manual methods of harvesting. In order to reduce the drudgery, improve quality and reduce field losses,mechanised harvesting technology was introduced tofarmers on the project. The study examined the factors that influenced the adoption of mechanised harvesting technology among irrigated rice farmers operating on the KIP. From a sample of 99 farmers, 60% of farmers used mechanised harvesting technology. Plot size, gender of farmer, household size and level of formal education influenced adoption of mechanised harvesting technology. Plot size influenced adoption most. Age, source of capital, marital status and experience in cultivating rice did not influence adoption of mechanised harvesting technology. Since increasing plot size in the scheme design may not be possible, adequate information on availability of sublease plots should be made available. Subsequently, in designing irrigated rice schemes, consideration should be given to higher plot sizes than currently obtains at KIP. Persons with higher levels of formal education should be encouraged to go into irrigated rice farming on the KIP facility. Government should improve rural infrastructure to encourage young persons to remain in agriculture in the KIP area.

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