Mineral Fertilizer Use and Land Productivity/Income

Mineral fertilizer is a cornerstone of agricultural productivity, but its use in Ghana remains limited. Farmers often face constraints such as high costs, limited access, and lack of knowledge. This study examines the impact of fertilizer use on land productivity and household income, situating fertilizer as both an input and a driver of welfare. The broader challenge is that low fertilizer use perpetuates low productivity and poverty. Without adequate input use, farmers struggle to achieve yields that sustain income and food security. This research situates fertilizer use within the broader discourse on agricultural intensification, highlighting its role in breaking cycles of low productivity and poverty traps.

Household survey data was collected to capture fertilizer use, land productivity, and income across diverse agro-ecological zones. Econometric models were applied to measure the relationship between fertilizer use and welfare outcomes, controlling for farm size, location, and household characteristics. Qualitative interviews provided insights into farmer perceptions of fertilizer, barriers to use, and coping strategies. Comparative analysis was conducted between households using fertilizer and those relying on traditional practices. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.