This paper reports the results a study of the adoption of new maize production practices in one area of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. The research and extension effort responsible for the recommendations of new practices are part of the activities of the Ghana Grains Development Project, and the project proposed to measure the degree to which its recommendations were being taken up by farmers. A survey was taken in one of more important maize production areas in Ghana to examine the adoption of new varieties, row planting, and the use of fertilizer. Farmers in the survey managed a little over 2 ha of maize, on the average, and maize was usually their most important source of cash income. Eight villages where extension had been active were selected for the study. It is felt that the results of the survey fairly represent maize production practices in most of the area where extension is active. The adoption of the recommended practices has been quite high. This is especially true for those farmers who have monocropped maize. About one half of the area is planted to improved maize varieties, and the majority of farmers have experience with buying commercial seed. Row planting is also used by the majority of farmers, with the result that plant spacing and population is better managed than in fields that are random planted. Despite supply shortages, almost half of the farmers are using some fertilizer on their maize. Rates naturally vary, and there is a tendency to apply the fertilizer later than is recommended. An examination of the adoption history of these farmers reveals a pattern of careful stepwise testing of the components of the recommended alternatives, rather than a sudden switch to the complete set of recommended practices. Many farmers surveyed had attended a verification-demonstration, which was certainly one of the important elements in the extension strategy that brought the information to the attention of the farmers. Extension activities are farmers most important source of information role as well. There is no evidence that the extension message is missing either women farmers or those with little or no education. Variations in farmer circumstances help to explain the patterns of adoption that have been observed. Farmers concern for the storability and marketability of the improved varieties has probably limited their adoption to some degree. Row planting, though accepted by the majority of farmers, is more difficult on fields that have many stumps or other obstacles, and does require a bit more time at planting. Variations in fertilizer use can be partly explained by the shortage of fertilizer in the area, but a more important factor is probably the fertility of farmer's fields. Farmers recognize that fertilizer gives its greatest response on fields that have been continuously cropped and on fields where plant populations are adequate, and it is these fields that receive the most fertilizer. An understanding of these and other farmer circumstances helps researchers to target their recommendations more precisely.

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EP|MP|mierc|EconomicsPubs|MIC 6174-R|3

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