Economic Viability of Smallholder Agriculture in the Savannah and Transitional Zones of Ghana: Implications of Farm Output Commercialization and Farm Diversification

Smallholder agriculture remains the heart of Ghana’s food crop production and crucial to meet zero-hunger target. Unfortunately, rural households continue see no significant improvement in their livelihoods, as poverty insecurity remain high these areas. This has raised concerns about economic viability smallholder Ghana. We estimated propensity score matching on a sample 581 farmers determine impact farm output commercialization off-farm diversification security welfare status. Large-scale (>2 ha) maize led 8% more yield 96% income than small-scale (?2 production. At observed mean levels, large-scale performed better most livelihood outcomes. The outcomes was mixed, based scale For farmers, reduced per capita consumption expenditure, while improved security, income. fertilizer application rate but yield. Although are not necessarily doomed, heterogeneity farmers’ should be considered design agricultural policies.