This study examines credit demand by maize farmers and analyses factors influencing their use of informal and formal credits. The analysis is based on data collected from a survey of 590 maize farmers in seven districts of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana during May-July 2010. Descriptive statistics, probit and bivariate probit models were used to analyse the data. The study revealed informal credit sources for maize farmers as relatives and friends, traders and private money lenders. Maize traders are major players in the informal credit market followed by agricultural input sellers. Among the formal sources rural banks are the most prominent. Regional location, Gender, engagement in other economic activities and the level of agricultural commercialisation were observed to be factors that influence farmers' demand for informal credit. In addition to these factors, farmer years of education and proximity to financial institution influence demand for formal credit. The result of the bivariate probit suggests that formal and informal credits are not necessarily perfect substitutes but they complement each other to provide credit needs of farmers in maize production.

No abstract

This study examines credit demand by maize farmers and analysed factors influencing their use of informal and formal credit. The analysis is based on data collected from a survey of 590 maize farmers in seven districts of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana during May-July 2010. Descriptive statistics, probit and bivariate probit models were used to analyse the data. The study revealed informal credit sources for maize farmers as relatives and friends, traders and private money lenders. Maize traders are major players in the informal credit market followed by agricultural input sellers. Among the formal sources rural banks are the most prominent. Regional location, Gender, engagement in other economic activities and the level of agricultural commercialisation were observed to be factors that influence farmers' demand for informal credit. In addition to these factors, farmer years of education and proximity to financial institution influence demand for formal credit. The result of the bivariate probit suggests that formal and informal credits are not necessarily perfect substitutes but they complement each other to provide credit needs of farmers in maize production.

Some studies consider the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of rice production as more profitable than the Conventional method. Others, however, claim that there is no significant difference in yields between the two methods. The mixed representation of the economic value of the two methods of rice production by various authorities demands an empirical examination of the profitability of the two methods in Ghana. The study was, therefore, designed to identify which of the two methods of rice production is more profitable in Ghana. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select 220 farmers, comprising 110 farmers under each of the two methods of rice production which are predominant in Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality and Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The data collected from farmers were summarized using descriptive statistics including arithmetic mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, frequencies and percentages. Gross margin and gross profit ratio were used to estimate profitability per acre of rice production under each method. The study revealed that, while farmers under the SRI method obtain GH¢60.68 for every GH¢100.00 sale of rice, farmers under the conventional method obtained GH¢44.04 per every GH¢100.00. The study, therefore, concludes that SRI method of rice production, though a little more costly, is more profitable resulting from a higher yield brought on by the adoption of best agronomic practices associated with the method. Based on the empirical results, the study recommends for the promotion of the System of Rice Intensification method of production in Ghana through awareness creation, extension services and training.

All birds studied to date have a functioning sense of smell, which they use for a wide range of tasks, from foraging to mate choice. However, compared with other avian senses, olfaction has received comparatively little research attention and is often overlooked when designing experiments, or interpreting data, in which birds have been used as subjects. This brief review aims to provide an overview of our understanding of avian olfaction, focusing in particular on articles published over the past 10 years. We emphasize studies, species, and concepts that may be of particular interest to those working within animal behavior or cognition, and we conclude by highlighting some directions for future research.