Abstract

Conservation agriculture is promoted as a green technology that enhances the productivity and food security of farmers. However, there is limited evidence from practising farmers regarding these expected outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of conservation agriculture on the productivity of maize and food security outcomes among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The propensity scorematching approach was used to estimate the impact. The data is based on a 2013 survey of 488 households. Conservation agriculture, largely defined by the use of planting basins, had a positive and significant (p < 0.05) impact on maize grain yield (ATT = 473 kgha-1), with the magnitude more pronounced among female-headed households (ATT = 515.53 kgha-1). The increased grain production extended the households’ grain self-provision period by 1.14 months for the pooled sample, and by a slightly longer period of 2.89 months for the female-headed sample. The study concludes that conservation agriculture increases maize productivity and grain supply to households, particularly for female-headed households.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.