Breeding or Adoption? Groundnut Varietal Age and Farm Performance in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Are farmers reluctant to adopt new groundnut varieties, or are breeding programs failing to address the needs of smallholder farmers in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA)? Breeding programs and sustainable seed systems that support the development and deliv ery of new elite varieties are crucial for improving smallholder welfare. This study addresses this challenge by analyzing farm household survey data from 540 groundnut farmers to examine the relationship between groundnut varietal age, yield, farm income, and profit in the Guinea Savannah agroecology of Ghana. Despite recent advancements in groundnut breeding, 16% of farmers continue to grow varieties that are more than 10 years old. Key factors influencing this include distance to seed shops, farming experience, access to all- weather roads, electricity, and geographic location. After accounting for the endogeneity of varietal age, the findings show that older varieties are associated with lower yield, revenue, farm income, and profit, with pro ductivity serving as the mediating channel. The main policy implication is that improving seed accessibility should be a priority, through the expansion of decentralized seed production and distribution networks for certified seeds and the establishment of community- level seed enterprises. Additional strategies, such as investing in mobile seed distribution programs and encouraging private sector participation in groundnut seed marketing, could further enhance access to and adoption of new varieties.