Entrepreneurial behaviour among non-timber forest product-growing farmers in Ghana: An analysis in support of a reforestation policy

Abstract

Abstract Despite widespread acknowledgement of the importance of entrepreneurship for poverty alleviation, studies on entrepreneurship are scant for farmers engaged in the production of non-timber forest products. This study, therefore, examines the entrepreneurial status of farmers involved in the production of non-timber forest products, focusing on those involved in a reforestation scheme in three forest districts in Ghana. Caird s revised General Entrepreneurial Tendency test and quantile regression were used to calculate farmers entrepreneurial scores and the respective influencing factors. Results show that most farmers had low to medium entrepreneurial scores. Across all quantiles, market information and value-addition knowledge had a positive influence on farmers entrepreneurial scores. The study also revealed quantile-specific factors, with demographic factors (age, gender), years of farming, and networks with value-chain actors having a significant influence only at the lower quantile of entrepreneurial scores, and personal commitment, adaptability to new technology, and scientific advice being more significant at the upper quantile. At the low-to-median quantiles of entrepreneurial scores, socio-economic factors such as land size and off-farm jobs had a positive influence. The paper concludes that farmers with different entrepreneurial scores are susceptible to different factors that help or hinder improving their scores. This implies that entrepreneurship development programmes should be tailored to different farmer segments. Out of inclusivity and feasibility concerns, we recommend achieving this through an integrated yet diversified approach that combines generic and segment-specific needs. One way of doing so is through an annual market fair/exhibition during which NTFPs from community reforestation schemes are branded; networking opportunities among value chain actors are offered; market information on prices, demand and available buyers is provided; and training workshops on post-harvesting processing technologies are organised.