Non-Tariff Measures and Household Welfare: Evidence from Ghana

Non-tariff measures (NTMs) such as quality standards, import restrictions, and certification requirements are increasingly shaping agricultural trade in Ghana. While these measures aim to protect consumers and stabilize markets, they can also impose costs on households by influencing food prices and availability. Understanding how NTMs affect household welfare is critical for designing policies that balance trade regulation with poverty reduction. The broader challenge is that NTMs have complex ripple effects. They can improve food safety and market stability, but they may also raise costs for producers and consumers. Poor households are particularly vulnerable to price increases, while wealthier households may benefit from improved quality. This study situates NTMs within the broader discourse on trade policy and household welfare, highlighting both benefits and risks.

Household survey data was combined with trade policy records to assess the impact of NTMs on welfare indicators such as consumption, expenditure, and nutrition. Econometric models were applied to measure both direct and indirect effects of NTMs on household welfare. The analysis controlled for income, location, and demographic factors to isolate the effects of NTMs. Comparative scenarios were modeled to assess differences between households exposed to NTMs and those less affected. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.