Smallholder farmers; adoption decision-making behaviours in the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices: the case of soil conservation practice adoption at Qamata Irrigation Scheme, South Africa

Abstract

This study evaluates smallholder farmers' adoption decision behaviours regarding the adoption of climate smart agricultural (CSA) practices, using the adoption of soil conservation practices at Qamata Irrigation Scheme, South Africa as a case study. Using the case study research methodology, 70 smallholder farmers were selected through a focused group interview method. Empirical data analysis was with the probit, logit and the binary logistic regression analysis models. Based on results and congruent with literature, the nature of smallholder farmers' adoption behaviour regarding the adoption of soil conservation technologies is complex, being affected by multiplicity of factors. Of most significance (at p<0.01) are gender, marital status, length of time of continuously farming on one spot (LENTFARM) and crop production respectively. The indication is that women farmers prefer their own practices to extension recommendations which is as expected. Similarly, married farmers, LENTFARM, and farmers with increased crop production preferred extension recommendations for soil conservation instead of their own practices. The conclusion is that significant variables of this study are factors influencing smallholder farmers' adoption decision behaviour regarding CSA practices in the study area. Therefore intervention efforts for improved CSA practice adoption should consider the significant variables of this study. Key words: Smallholder farmers; adoption; adoption decision-making behaviours; climate smart agriculture practices; soil conservation.