Malian Farmers’ Perception of Sustainable Agriculture: A Case of Southern Mali Farmers

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Klela district, Sikasso region of Mali, and aimed to evaluate farmers’ perceptions regarding sustainable agriculture while identifying key factors that influenced these perspectives. Using a face-to-face survey with 110 randomly selected farmers, a comprehensive 19-item scale was employed to measure the perception levels of sustainable agricultural practices, scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The analysis highlighted a spectrum of perception levels among participants: 12.7% exhibited the lowest perception, 38.2% had a low perception, 31.8% had a medium perception, and only 17.3% had a high perception. Notably, a majority (50.96%) held perceptions below the average level. Through multiple regression analysis, several factors were identified as influential in shaping these perceptions. Family involvement in farming and weekly working days were negatively associated, whereas daily working hours and household size demonstrated a positive correlation. Additionally, the sources of information regarding sustainable agriculture significantly impacted farmers’ perception levels, as indicated by the chi-square test results. The research underscores the necessity for targeted extension programs designed to augment farmers’ understanding of sustainable agriculture, aiming to translate these perceptions into attitudes and practical actions effectively. This study contributes valuable insights, emphasizing the significance of tailored interventions geared toward enhancing sustainable agricultural practices among farmers in Mali, with the potential to positively influence their agricultural behaviors.