Influence of Trade Liberalization and its Related Policies on the Adoption of Mechanized Ploughing in Yam Cultivation in Kpandai District in Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

This paper analyses the trade potential factors that influence the adoption of mechanized ploughing in
Kpandai District in Northern Ghana. The paper estimate a logic model with data from 510 sampled yam
farm households. It was identified that producer price, farm size, competition among farmers, export,
integration into market economy, market proximity were found to show strong significant influence on
adoption of tractor ploughing technology. It is therefore recommended that these factors should seriously
be underscored and incorporated in policy formulation and implementation of adoption of plough
mechanization for the farm households in the district. Moreover, establishment of tractor plant pool in
yam cultivating districts would help to reduce the difficulties farmers face in hiring the services of
tractors in peak demand periods.