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.
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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. |
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