Economics of Soybean Production: Evidence from Saboba and Chereponi Districts of Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The objective of this study was to document soybean production practices, estimate the level of profitability and identify constraints to soybean production in Saboba and Chereponi districts of the Northern Region of Ghana based on gender. Primary data from 140 farmers were subjected to profitability analysis and Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance. Soybean production was found to be unprofitable in Chereponi District for both male and female farmers but profitable for male farmers in Saboba District. Constraints to soybean production include lack of right over land, selling of produce on credit, among others. The level of profitability of soybean production can be improved by addressing constraints such as unfavourable land tenure arragements, unfavourable market conditions inter alia.

Determinants of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] production system in Benin

“…This implies that soybean producers are young and will cultivate this crop the next one, two or three decades if they are attracted. Similar results are reported by Dogbe et al (2013) from Ghana and conclude that soybean production has promising future if these relatively young farmers could be motivated to remain in the sector. Furthermore, Ebong et al (2011) report a positive relationship between ages and technical efficiency improvement in urban crop production.…”

Economic analysis of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean (Glycine max) as intercropping plants in two agroforestry systems

“…It affects the increase of the revenue, and there is opportunity to reach the higher profit. The result of this study is similar to the result of the study of Dogbe et al (2013) that found the soybean production in Chereponi District, Northern Region of Ghana is not profitable even though it is done by female who are relatively better than male farmers. On the other hand, soybean production is profitable in Saboba District which is done by male farmers.…”

“…Amusat and Ademola (2013) collected primary data using interview schedules from the 130 selected G. max farmers, but only 123 of the schedules were found to be useable. Dogbe et al (2013) determined 140 G. max farmers as enumerators for their study. In addition, Riska (2014) surveyed 30 respondents to analyze the production and profit of A. hypogaea farm.…”

“…The result of a study by Dogbe et al (2013) showed monoculture system of G. max produces 509-642 kg ha -1 yield in Saboba and Chereponi Districts, Northern Region of Ghana. Meanwhile, Zoundji et al (2015) found that 60.5%, 28.1%, and 11.4% of the soybean farmers in Benin had low (< 700 kg ha -1 ), medium (between 700 and 1,000 kg ha -1 ), and high (> 1,000 kg ha -1 ) yield level, respectively (Table 6).…”

“…Dogbe et al (2013) explained several factors could account for the low levels of productivity of G. max including poor soil health, pest, and diseases, unfavorable weather conditions, inadequate and untimely access to agro-inputs, equipment, and labor. According to Zoundji et al (2015), yield level is significantly determined by gender issues.…”