The workings of the Cobweb Model in Ghanaian Agriculture

1. A Study on The Reciprocities of Cause and Effect in Ghanaian
Agriculture illustrated by the Cobweb Model
•An Annual Cycle
•An Analysis of Choices
•Arresting the Cycle
•The Basis of Cessation
•The Reins of Control

2. An Annual Cycle
The cycle of expansion and contraction continues with repetitive
predictability, the remedial recommendation as always: “A policy
ought to be devised to arrest this recurring manifestation of the omni-
prevalent Cobweb Model, at its most vulnerable point- the moment of
cost/benefit decision – the point at which the mass of smallholders,
forecasting under the compulsion of surplus or scarcity, roll back or
add on, acreage.”

3. An Analysis of Choices
The typical peasant’s investment decision, always bases on widening
or narrowing the size of holding, so an extra dimension, that of
innovative technology- itself another whole realm of variability
(where output can be made to soar or dive at the farmer’s own
volition)- which will introduce precise and rigorous regulation of
supply, with market intervention scientifically exercised and directed
in minute detail and as such stabilize the current wide swings.

4. Arresting the Cycle
With this, sometimes known as controlled harvests accessed,
growth or shrinkage would be at the discretion of either
farmers (unit) or policy-maker (aggregate), volumes will be
made much more closely related to the quantities of factors
of production employed (waste reduced), prescriptions of
surges and ebbs made completely implementable (precision
farming), and predictions of waxing or waning made
accurately within stated limits.

5. The Basis of Cessation
So we come full circle, back to where we always start from- the role of
the diverse stakeholders and array of available policy choices, in the
achievement of the aims of curative production and/or storage
technologies. A formerly nebulous region, this area of diagnosis and
remedy has been microscopically dissected by the highest
competencies at numerous fora, the distillate of their findings being
that, basic infrastructure is of first essence- to wit, a swift departure
from artisanal rain-fed farming – irrigation and modernization
indicated

6. The Reins of Control
On this basis,a reliable interventionist mechanism can be
crafted, assuring tailor-made harvests, fulfillment exactly
matched to anticipation – no more, no less.

7. The Reins of Control
On this basis,a reliable interventionist mechanism can be
crafted, assuring tailor-made harvests, fulfillment exactly
matched to anticipation – no more, no less.