Internship – Examining agricultural technology transfer models and farmers preference: Implications for fertilizer use and crop yields

Job Description

Background 

The relevance of agricultural sector to the socioeconomic growth and development of Ghana has place stakeholders in search of productivity enhancing options. Over the years, several technologies have been introduced to farmers but corresponding yield increments has been slow. Farmers may, for instance, revert to their old ways of farming after adopting these technologies for few production seasons, either because of their habits or because of lack of continued support or enabling conditions. It is unjustifiable to conclude that either the technologies are inappropriate or that the farmers are resistant to change. It is therefore important to examine the modes of transfer of these technologies to the farmers and identify strategies that can guarantee the sustainable adoption of improved agricultural technologies. The case of fertilizer use is no different and therefore call for an assessment of the approaches and identifying right paths to enhancing farmers use of fertilizers appropriately. Primarily, the study should highlight the:

• existing agricultural technology transfer models accessible to farmers and the farmers’ perceptions/preferences
• immediate and long-term effects of existing agricultural technology transfer models on fertilizer use
• effects of existing agricultural technology transfer models on the adoption of good agronomic practices
• causes for change in the adoption over the course of time

Methodology

This student shall collect primary data in the Northern and North East regions of Ghana. With support of the Economist of FERARI, the student shall be required to provide a clear study methodology including sampling procedure and sample size for this research.

Output

At the end of the research, the student shall produce a report to FERARI on this research and extract the most important findings in a policy brief. The student would also be assisted to produce a research article that can be published in a scientific journal for our wider international audience.

Qualification

An MPhil/MSc student in Agricultural Economics, Development economics or Sociology. Applicant must have completed his/her course work and ready to start the research component. The applicant must demonstrate high analytical and data processing skills, especially with the use of STATA and Microsoft Excel.

Duration

The duration for this assignment shall be seven (7) months. The student is expected to deliver specific activities within the following timeline (student can propose a revision to the timeline).