The adoption of a portfolio of sustainable agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe

Murendo, C and Gwara, S and Mpofu, N and Pedzisa, T and Mazvimavi, K and Chivenge, P (2016) The adoption of a portfolio of sustainable agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. In: 5th International Conference of the African Association of Agricultural Economists, September 23-26, 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

[img]
Preview
PDF - Published Version
Download (469kB) | Preview

Abstract

Climate change and variability and soil fertility depletion are among the main biophysical limiting factors for increasing per capita food production for smallholder farmers in developing countries. To tackle these challenges, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), has become an important policy topic among donors and development agencies in developing countries. This paper examines the adoption decisions for SAPs, using recent primary data collected in 51 villages in 3 districts of Zimbabwe. The article employs a multivariate probit regression to model simultaneous interdependent adoption decisions by farm households. The analysis reveals that education, farm experience, farm size, income, access to information and agroecology influence the adoption of SAPs. Policies that are aimed at improving household income and enhancing access to information can increase the uptake of SAPs by smallholder farmers. Extension messages should aim to emphasize the complementarities between different SAPs. This information could help policy makers and extension agents to formulate and promote a package of SAPs.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Divisions: Research Program : East & Southern Africa
CRP: CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems
Uncontrolled Keywords: Sustainable agricultural practices, multiple adoption, multivariate probit, Zimbabwe
Subjects: Others > Smallholder Farmers
Others > Sustainable Agriculture
Others > Zimbabwe
Depositing User: Mr Ramesh K
Date Deposited: 03 Nov 2016 09:24
Last Modified: 03 Nov 2016 10:24
URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/9763
Acknowledgement: This study is supported by the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the Livelihoods and Food Security (LFSP) program - subcomponent of Extension and Training for Rural Agriculture (EXTRA) in Zimbabwe. We would also like to thank smallholder farmers in Gokwe South, Kwekwe and Shurugwi districts for their participation in the survey and research assistants for research support. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the donor or the authors’ institution. The usual disclaimer applies.
Links:
View Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item