Research on World Agricultural Economy

Adoption of Genetically Modified Maize Technology in Ghana

Edward Ebo Onumah

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Accra  P.O. Box LG 25, Ghana

Anita Eli Dey

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Accra  P.O. Box LG 25, Ghana

Theophilus Tweneboah Kodua

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Accra  P.O. Box LG 25, Ghana

Da‑Costa Asiedu Odame

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Accra  P.O. Box LG 25, Ghana

Mohammed Hardi Nyagsi

Research Department, Parliament of Ghana, Accra P. O. Box MB 40, Ghana

Peter Boamah Otokunor

Department of Economics and Actuarial Science, University of Professional Studies, Accra P. O. BOX LG 149, Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.1888

Received: 24 March 2025 | Revised: 7 May 2025 | Accepted: 16 June 2025 | Published Online: 13 August 2025

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Abstract

The paper investigates farmers’ awareness of genetically modified maize technology, perceived challenges, willingness to adopt, and the factors influencing their decision. This research employs Binary Probit model and Kendall’s constraint ranking technique for the analyses, based on cross-sectional data from 550 maize farmers across five regions in Ghana: Northern, Bono, Ashanti, Western, and Volta. The results demonstrate that 79% of the farmers are aware of GM maize, and 60% express willingness to adopt the technology. Key factors influencing their willingness to adopt genetically modified maize include age, farm size, experience, extension services, and input costs. The top three constraints farmers perceive are limited consumer demand for GM maize, high costs of planting materials, and concerns over the crop’s potentially shorter lifespan. The study recommends intensifying GM maize awareness and benefits through workshops and educational initiatives. Additionally, direct sales channels for farmers should be promoted to boost their income. Furthermore, extension service delivery should be intensified with the needed logistics to enable them attend to the needs of farmers adequately, including the dissemination of GM crops. We also recommend that policymakers should develop channels through which farmers can sell their grains after harvesting so that they would be assured of a ready market for their GM produce.

Keywords: GMO Adoption; Perception; Probit Model; Constraints Kendall’s Coefficient; Ghana

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