Abstract

This study has assessed smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate smart agricultural practices in Malosa Extension Planning Area, Zomba District, within the framework of Diffusion of Innovations theory. The study used a convergent mixed research design, which purposively selected Group Village Nthiko and three key informants, and randomly selected 70 smallholder farmers. Questionnaires, interview, and observation guides were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data while descriptive analysis was used to analyse quantitative data. Results indicate that a few (26%) smallholder farmers have adopted the promoted climate smart agricultural practices. Compatibility is the chief determinant of climate smart agricultural practices’ adoption. Complexity is the main barrier to climate smart agricultural practices’ adoption as most of the practices are labour and input intensive. Most smallholder farmers fall under the late majority since their likelihood of adopting climate smart agricultural practices awaits observable benefits from early adopters. One insight from this is that many of the non-adopters of climate smart agricultural practices seem to be at the innovation decision process of Diffusion of Innovations theory where they are considering the advantages and disadvantages of Agriculture Sector Wide Approach Support Project II climate smart agricultural practices. A major implication of this study is that labour and capital intensive climate smart agricultural practices are less likely to be adopted by smallholder farmers. A major recommendation of this study is that implementing agencies should employ a bottom-up approach in implementing interventions in the area. This can best be done by first consulting the concerned farmers to see the farming practices that are already being practised and effectively working before introducing the new ones. This will ensure that climate smart agricultural practices, which are appropriate to the climatic realities and conditions of the targeted areas, are promoted.

More details

School	: School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Issued Date	: 2024

Download full document