Reshapping agriculture technology adoption thinking: Malthus, Borlaug and Ghana's fail green revolution

Abstract

Previous research on green revolution established the effect of farmers' socio-economics characteristics on technology adoption; however, the impact of culture and religion is unclear. This research collected data through a survey from January to April 2019. Participants were rice farmers from three ethnic groups (Mole-Dagbani, Gurma and Guan) and three religious' denominations (Christianity, Islam and Christianity). After analysing the data to identify critical societal values affecting the adoption of improved rice varieties, we realised that our results appropriately explained Prospect theory. We find that cultural and religious values significantly influence rice farmers' adoption decisions. Christian faith has a positive relationship with the adoption of improved rice seeds, while the Islamic religion has a negative connection. The fact that culture and religion affect adoption suggest agriculture technology societal standard integration. Based on the findings, we recommend the all-inclusive approach in the diffusion of agricultural technology.