Breeding or Adoption? Groundnut Varietal Age and Farm Performance

Groundnut is a vital crop in Ghana, contributing to household food security, nutrition, and income. However, productivity is often constrained by the age of varieties in use. Older varieties may be less resilient to pests, diseases, and climate variability, while newer varieties promise higher yields and better adaptability. This study explores whether farm performance is more influenced by breeding innovation (new varietal release) or adoption behavior (farmer uptake of newer varieties). The broader challenge is that varietal turnover in Ghana remains slow, with farmers often relying on seeds that are decades old. This stagnation limits productivity gains and undermines resilience. Understanding the balance between breeding and adoption is critical for designing policies that accelerate varietal replacement and improve farm performance.

Farm-level survey data was collected to capture varietal age, adoption patterns, and performance indicators. Econometric models were applied to measure the relationship between varietal age and yields, controlling for inputs, location, and farmer characteristics. Comparative analysis was conducted between farms using older versus newer varieties. Qualitative interviews provided insights into farmer perceptions of varietal innovation and barriers to adoption. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.