Impact of rain-fed Lowland rice production project on the livelihoods of beneficiaries in Ghana

Abstract

The impact study of the rain-fed rice production project on the livelihoods of the farmers was done to determine the level of change on their livelihood status and to inform policy. This study therefore examines the differences and change on the natural, physical, human, social and financial capital of rice farmers on the project. The research was conducted in Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana. Three hundred respondents from a total of 2,221 rice farmers were sampled using proportions and probability sampling methods. Wilcoxon sign rank test and paired t-test were used to test the differences in livelihood capital of the respondents. The statistical software, IBM-SPSS version 22, was used to analyse data with descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, z scores and percentages for interpretation. The results revealed that, 86% of respondents were males, 36% were within the 46 -60 age bracket, age group. Many of the respondents 53% had 1-10 years' experience in rice cultivation . Thirty-six percent had basic of level education with only 5% having tertiary education. Forty-two percent of respondents had a yield between 2.9 - 3.9ton/ha. The study revealed that 39% of farmers earn within 1000-2000G He per season from rice alone followed by 15% who earn 2000-3000GHC, 12% for 3000GHC and 11 % earning over 5000GHC.