What drives the choice of seed storage structures? Evidence from certified maize traders in Ghana

Priscilla Obeng-Boateng, Fred Nimoh, Eli Afetsi Gaveh

What drives the choice of seed storage structures? Evidence from certified maize traders in Ghana

Číslo: 2/2022
Periodikum: Review of Agricultural and Applied Economics
DOI: 10.15414/raae.2022.25.02.43-54

Klíčová slova: certified seeds; binary logistic regression; concrete; metal

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Anotace: Research background: Quality maize seed is a necessity to meet the ever-increasing demand for maize production for domestic and commercial uses in Ghana. The need for appropriate storage structures to maintain quality seeds is essential to attain food security and poverty reduction. Proper storage ensures that the gains of seed breeding programmes are maintained. It also maximizes profits through an increase in the quantity, quality, and a reduction in the commercial loss of seeds

Purpose of the article: Research in the seed value chain in Ghana has concentrated on farmers with lesser emphasis on the activities of seed traders although they are a critical link between seed producers and farmers. The infrastructure available for their trade has a telling effect on the seeds they offer for sale. This study investigates the type of seed storage structures used by maize seed traders in the Brong Ahafo Region. Factors that affected their choice were also examined.
Methods: We made a total population sampling of 82 certified maize seed traders across 8 districts in the region. A discrete choice model is used to examine the traders’ choice of storage structures, as well as the determinants influencing their choice.
Findings & Value added: We find that traders predominantly store seeds in concrete and metal structures. While we find traders with more years of trading maize seeds tending to store their seeds in concrete structures, older farmers tend to use metal structures. Storage duration, age and perception of affordability of rent charges tend to decrease the likelihood of using metal as the storage structure. From a policy perspective, given the marked heterogeneity in characteristics influencing traders’ choice of storage technology, it is relevant to critically consider these differences in policy design.