The Adoption of Soil Bunding Technology (SBT) by Farmers on Rice Productivity in the Northern Savanna Zone of Ghana

Rice farming is widespread in Ghana, with rising market demand stimulated by demographic pressures from urbanization. The problem in the Northern Savanna Zone is that rainfall is irregular and soils are poor. Soil Bunding Technology (SBT) has been recommended as a possible solution to enhance water retention and, therefore, production and productivity. This study aims to explore the factors that affect the adoption of SBT among rice farmers, the effects of the technology on productivity and revenue, and the barriers to adoption. This research used a mixed-methods approach, which combined both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. A sample of 300 rice farmers was chosen using a multi-stage sampling method. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, profitability analysis, and regression models, including the Tobit and Heckman selection models. The results of the study indicate that the adoption of SBT leads to an increase in rice production and profitability. The results of the survey indicated that farmers who adopted SBT received an average yield of 1140.27 kg from an acre compared to 666.11 kg from the non-adopters. The gross margins were also higher for the adopters (Gh₵310.0) than the non-adopters (Gh₵13.0), thus indicating that the practice is economically viable. Factors that affected adoption included extension services, credit, and farm size. The study also revealed that the major constraints included low prices of outputs, limited access to credit facilities, and labor burden. It was also established that extension support and financial resources encouraged farmers to adopt and maintain SBT practices, which supports the idea of institutional support. To increase adoption, policymakers should offer financial rewards, enhance extension programs, and create better market links. Finally, experts should encourage farmer-based organizations and community-driven conservation initiatives. Further work should be directed towards the long-term effects of the practices and other forms of conservation practices to improve sustainability.