Smallholder farmers’ network structure: a case study in Ghana

Smallholder farmers in developing countries are considered the backbone of the agricultural sector. Their activities can promote food security and enhance economic growth if proper attention is given. We can understand these farmers and their operations better if we effectively engage them by studying their network structure. Farmer networking is often regarded as a better means of connecting smallholder farmers to markets, enhancing their welfare and stimulating modernization within the farming sector. Exponential random graph model (ERGM) which is a method in social network analysis was used to examine the network construction process and the microstructure of the smallholder farmers’ network in Ghana. Our findings revealed that their network was well connected and centered on some farmers who were popular within the community. While some of these farmers hold positions within the community, others are advanced in age. The microstructure shows some sort of hierarchy structure as the formation of this network depends on the ability of a farmer to receive ties but not vice versa. Hence, this study illuminates how the structural characteristics of this network affect social collaborations among farmers, thus influencing information diffusion for productivity and performance. It is recommended that smallholder farmers' networks should be utilized for helping and monitoring the progress of the agricultural sector by the government and stakeholders. This will enable them develop novel ways through which they can help make agriculture more productive and enhance food security.