Welfare effects of agricultural extension in the Sudan Savanna of Ghana

Agricultural extension services (AESs) are crucial in promoting farm performance and household welfare. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the interrelationship between extension access and farm household welfare in the Sudan Savanna of Ghana. The study is unique as it provides evidence of the influence of agricultural extension on household welfare in a conflict-prone and semi-arid area of the country. The study used a Heckman selection model and propensity score matching to assess smallholders' access to AESs and the welfare benefits of agricultural extension (AE). The study's findings showed that access to AESs led to higher yield, crop income, and fertilizer application, hence boosting household welfare. Furthermore, formal education considerably increased agricultural productivity while group membership enhanced access to AESs. In order to encourage AESs as part of programs to alleviate rural poverty and enhance family welfare, the study recommends that AE should be combined with other pro-poor development initiatives, such as the provision of basic and secondary education, especially in rural areas.