Rice production as a livelihood option among migrant farmers in Ashanti Region of Ghana

The study examines rice production as a livelihood option among migrant farmers in Ashanti Region of Ghana. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 158 migrant farmers cultivating rice in Ashanti region of Ghana. A questionnaire was developed based on the objectives of the study to collect data on rice production as a livelihood option, personal characteristics of migrant farmers and constraints of migrant farmers in the region. Data collected were subjected to analysis with SPSS version 20 using frequency counts, percentages and probit regression analysis was used to isolate the determinants of migrant farmers' household welfare status. The results show that majority were males, from Northern region of Ghana above 35 years of age having basic level education, married, using family labour is the main source of labour, with at least 10 dependants having between 1 and 20 years experience in rice cultivation. The major avenue for marketing is millers. The proportion of farmers who received at least GHC 1000 per season was more for rice than maize and cocoa. The major constraint facing migrant rice farmers is tenancy agreements with their land/valley owners. Significant determinants land tenure status were these were labour sources, years of farming experience in rice, and reason for rice cultivation.