BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Farmers are often described as ‘rational’ in their farm decision makings. Rightly so but this may be far-fetched as farmers are heterogenous and ‘rationality’ may not be universal in the decisions a group of farmers may make. This explains why adoption of a technology is not linear. For instance, while some farmers may be into farming for profit maximization, others go into farming because they want to farm or because there is nothing else to do. The ability of smallholder farmers to increase productivity and escape poverty depends on their investment of productive resources such as labour and time into their farms in an optimal manner. Already constraint by resources, most Ghanaian smallholder farmers also cultivate multiple crops. Observable from few farms, farmers do not effectively manage their farms as there are many farms that are weedy, farms are not planted in rows and other agronomic practices appear to be practiced untimely. Often, the farmers complain of lack of labour and capital. However, there are concerns that farmers cultivate multiples and large farms and this may partly explain the yield gap of the cultivated crops.

A research to unfold why farmers do what they do -the practice of farmers- is needed. Specifically, this research shall address the following two objectives:

1. Analyse the farming systems and production decisions of the farmers. This shall include the farming systems, farm allocation and the practice of good agronomic practices.
2. Analyse farmers’ investment decisions in crop farming. This objective shall entail labour use in crop production, time allocations and capital investment such as the use of fertilizer and improved seeds.

METHODOLOGY

Relevant data to address this data shall be obtained from FERARI’s database.  The student shall be required to provide a clear methodology, especially on the analytical methods for this research.

OUTPUT

At the end of the research, the student shall produce a policy brief and a report to FERARI on this research. The student would also be assisted to produce a research article suitable for publication in a scientific journal.

DURATION

The duration for this assignment shall be seven (7) months.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applicants should send their motivation letter and CV. Selection will be based on thorough review of these documents and an interview with a selection committee.

Application should include the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. A cover letter Indicating current Institution.
3. A supporting letter from Thesis Supervisor.

CLOSING DATE

November 30, 2020

Required Skills

QUALIFICATION

An MPhil/MSc student in Agricultural Economics or Development economics. Completed the course work of his/her master’s degree and at the research stage. Demonstrated high quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.

Required Experience

QUALIFICATION

An MPhil/MSc student in Agricultural Economics or Development economics. Completed the course work of his/her master’s degree and at the research stage. Demonstrated high quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.