Does a Market-Oriented Variety Change Rice Farming in SSA?: Evidence from a New Aromatic Rice Variety in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Since around 2000 rice demand has been increasing in SSA due to urbanization, and urban consumers prefer aromatic rice imported from Asian countries. Recently a new aromatic rice variety was introduced in Ghana. If farmers are to respond to urban demand, they should be more likely to choose this market-oriented variety. This study examines the impact of this new aromatic variety on farmers. Results show that farmers who adopt this variety achieve higher yield but no higher profit. Larger production costs and little price advantage in the local market may be the reasons.