Adoption Of Climate-smart Agricultural Practices Research Articles

Determinants of Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices among Farmers in Sheema District, Western Uganda

Determinants of Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices among Farmers in Sheema District, Western Uganda

The effect of heterogeneous adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices on household food and nutrition security of small-scale urban crop farmers in eThekwini Municipality

The effect of heterogeneous adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices on household food and nutrition security of small-scale urban crop farmers in eThekwini Municipality

Covering Climate Change: How Three American Agricultural Magazines Covered Climate Change Over 20 Years

Climate change will have an increasing impact on agriculture through both on-farm weather events and climate-related initiatives. However, many farmers, while perceiving the climate as changing, do not believe in climate change’s anthropogenic (i.e., human-caused) nature which could prevent farmer buy-in for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Because agricultural magazines have been established as a widely utilized source of information for farmers and media coverage has been shown to relate to perceptions through the agenda setting process, this study investigated the nature of the coverage of climate change articles from three agricultural magazines from 2000-2020 (N = 271). Through a quantitative content analysis, we determined the articles’ frames, sources, proposed economic impact of climate change, recommended action or proposed solution, determined cause of climate change, and logic (convinced or skeptical). This analysis revealed the dominant frame of the articles were scientific certainty, followed by political, conflict, and scientific uncertainty. The most frequently used sources were university scientists/Extension, followed by government officials and government research organizations. Articles were most likely to not mention the cause or economic impact of climate change. Articles tended to mention carbon sequestration more than other potential behaviors. The articles mostly portrayed a convinced logic about climate change. This study serves as a cultural artifact of the nature of climate change coverage in agricultural magazines and contributes to the burgeoning research efforts to best communicate this contentious topic to agriculturalists and encourage adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.

Uncovering the Intersections of Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality in Climate Adaptive Capacities in Climate Hotspots for Women in Zambia

Climate change risks exacerbating gender inequalities in agrifood systems; hence, the importance of understanding how women’s empowerment and gender equality of climate adaptive capacities relate. Using primary gender-disaggregated intrahousehold data collected in climate hotspots in Zambia, this study shows a positive relationship between women’s empowerment in the household and intrahousehold gender equality in access, knowledge and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Showing that different dimensions of women’s empowerment – gender norms, access to resources and group membership – relate differently with gender-equal adaptive capacities, the study emphasizes the importance of a contextual analysis, unpacking the prevailing key constraints to gender equality, and the need for simultaneous investments in women’s empowerment and gender-equitable access to climate information services and climate-adaptive practices.

Intensifying homestead climate-smart agriculture and the challenges to its wider adoption in Azuari watershed, Northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionThe adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices (CSAPs) at the plot level is a promising yet underutilized strategy in Ethiopia, where subsistence farming predominates. This study investigates the factors influencing the intensity of CSAPs on homesteads and identifies key barriers to their broader adoption.MethodsQuantitative data were collected through household surveys. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the independent variables and farmers' decisions to intensify CSAPs.ResultsThe findings reveal that slope gradient, extension contacts, farming experience, dependency ratio-induced labor, and livestock diversity significantly impact farmers' decisions to enhance CSAPs. Major barriers include insecure land tenure, poor management of open grazing, labor-intensive practices, and limited access to agricultural inputs.DiscussionTo promote the widespread implementation of CSAPs, it is imperative that these variables are prioritized in agricultural extension policies. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing the adoption of CSAPs, which will significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia.

ASSESSMENT OF SMALL HOLDERS FARMERS' ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICES IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed smallholder farmers’ adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture practices in Borno State, Nigeria. Identified socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assessed the respondents’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and investigated the constraint by respondents in adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. Both primary and secondary sources were used. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents as the sample size. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and likert type scale were used. The findings indicated that, majority (67.5%) of the respondents were within the prime working age of 20-49 years with a mean age of 43 years. Majority (75.5%) were male, 63.5% married with 43.0% had 7-9 persons per household. However, more than half (56%) of the respondents had no formal education, and 56% earn less than 50,000 Naira annually. The study also found that 58% had more than 10 years of farming experience, but only 30% were members of association. Conservation agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, crop residue management, and crop rotation/intercropping were rated 1st with the highest (x = 4.29) implying strong agreement to adoption of conservation agriculture practices. The climate smart agricultural practices highly adopted by the respondents include; water retention and erosion control technique (89%) and efficient fertilizer application technique (79.5%), moderately adopted practices; home garden (63%) and compost making/green manuring (58%), whereas least adopted practices; early warning system (20.0%) and use of more efficient cooking stove (17%). The most severe constraint identified include lack of awareness and limited information about climate smart agriculture practices (x=1.87), as well as limited access to credit (x=1.80). High cost of labor for climate smart agriculture and policy inconsistencies (x=1.32, 1.44) were identified as not severe constraint compared to others. The study recommended that Extension agents and Research institute should create more awareness on impact of adopting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and improve easy accessibility to weather and climate information through provision of mobile-based platforms or community radio broadcasts that deliver timely and relevant information.

Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices in Punjab (Pakistan)

Pakistan is a vulnerable country in terms of both climate change and food security. With respect to food security, climate change can potentially affect crop production and access to affordable food. This research examined the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) through five key practices: i) balanced use of chemicals, ii) integrated pest management, iii) formal irrigation techniques, iv) knowledge of climate smart varieties, and v) change in crop calendar. The adoption of these CSA practices is assessed for farmers of wheat (a major crop in the food basket of Pakistan). The determinants of adoption were estimated using the Probit model. With the help of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) farm efficiency (technical) is calculated employing the survey of 384 farmers from Punjab. The results of the study suggest that only 17.4 percent of the farmers are adopters of CSA practices. The determinants, like farmer education, income, land ownership, etc., have a positive impact on adoption. Whereas age, land use, and distance from nearby city centers have negative associations with adoption. Based on the results and outcomes of the study, CSA practices are critical and hold the key to improving food security in the country. Adoption of CSA practices can help in attenuating the vulnerabilities of farmers to climate change.

Extent of Adoption of Selected Climate-smart Agricultural Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya

Aim: Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrative approach to address the challenges of food security and climate change. This study sought to assess the extent of adoption of climate smart agricultural practices in Laikipia County, Kenya. Study Design: This study used correlation research design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Laikipia county. Specifically in the sub-counties Laikipia West, Laikipia East and Laikipia North. The study was carried out in July – August 2022. Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of 384 smallholder farmers households across the three sub-counties. Systematic random sampling was used to select every tenth household from the sample size. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the sampled households (all of whom were smallholder farmers). Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine the extent of adoption of selected Climate Smart Agricultural Practices among smallholder farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study used a chi-square (X²) test of independence to establish a relationship in the adoption of CSA practices across the three study sites Results: This study found that crop diversification (87%), mixed farming (crop farming and livestock keeping) (83%), use of pesticides and fungicides (80%) and crop rotation (74%) were the most adopted climate smart agricultural practices (CSAPs). On extent of adoption, full adoption was highest on pest and disease control (54%) and diversification of farming practices (52%); partial adoption was highest in conservation agriculture (54%); and non-adoption was highest on agroforestry (42%). Conclusion: It is recommended that stakeholders should improve the adoption of water harvesting/use, conservation agriculture and agroforestry – critical climate smart agricultural practices in semi-arid environments.

Reducing vulnerability to climate change among millet and sorghum farmers in Ghana: interrogating the contribution of climate-smart agriculture in northwestern Ghana

Reducing vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change is a global issue. One approach viewed as important in reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate change is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). CSA is often seen as an approach to redefine, reposition and sustainably manage agriculture. Given the importance of CSA practices in sustaining the food needs of many farm households in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana, this study investigates CSA practices that were introduced to farmers by Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Development (CIKOD), interrogates the contributions of CSA to reducing farmers vulnerability to climate change and established the relationship between CSA and climate change adaptation. The study employed a mixed method approach, using 146 smallholder millet and sorghum farmers. Questionnaire and interviews were used to generate primary data for analysis. Descriptive statistics, involving Chi-square test and relative importance index were used to analyze the questionnaire while thematic analytical approach was used to analyze the interviews. The results of the study revealed that CSA practices such as crop rotation, weed control, contour farming, and land rotation are deployed by smallholder farmers to respond to drought, dry spell and flood in the Municipality. Asset holding capacity, credit, access to climate information, and extension services were found to be key determinants of farmers’ adoption of CSA practices. The study recommends the need for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide some technical support to smallholder farmers to successfully adopt these practices for sustainable farming. Again, the study recommends the need for non-governmental organizations and development partners, which over the years have shown interest in promoting CSA practices among farmers, to continuous to support and promote the adoption of CSA by farmers.

Effects of Industrialization on Business and Economic Climate in Nigeria: Evidence from Sectoral Analysis

This study assessed the dynamics of industrialization in Nigeria from 1999 to 2022 and the ripple effect on environmental quality, business and the economic landscape. This study anchors on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to assess the interactive effect of industrialization on sectoral value addition while also considering its implications for clean energy, economic growth, innovation and climate change in Nigeria. The autoregressive distributed lag model was employed for its capability to incorporate variables of diverse orders of integration and assess the short- and long-run dynamics of industrialization and its impact on various facets of Nigeria’s economy, business sector and environmental quality. The data set was sourced and collated from the World Bank Development Index. The findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between industrialization and economic growth. The positive nexus is propelled by private sector credit specifically geared towards business development and the pivotal role of net foreign direct investment, for economic expansion alongside industrial activities. Exchange rate volatility limits access to reliable energy sources and impedes sectoral additions. The effect of industrialization on environmental quality stems from heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This study advocates for strategic investments in sustainable and renewable energy sources, adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and implementation of stringent environmental quality guidelines. To address the dual challenge of fostering economic growth through industrialization, ensuring environmental sustainability and offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria’s development trajectory.

Factors Influencing Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices Adoption and Crop Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Nyimba District, Zambia

Background The profound impacts of climate change on the environment, economy, and society are anticipated to significantly influence smallholder farmers, whose livelihoods and traditional ways of life are inextricably intertwined with the natural environment. This comprehensive study delves into the multifaceted factors shaping the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and their subsequent effects on crop productivity among the small-scale farming communities in Nyimba District, situated within Zambia. Methods The study collected data from 194 smallholder farmer households across 12 villages in 4 agricultural camps of Nyimba District between June and July 2022. A logistic regression model was utilized to assess the factors influencing crop production and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in response to climate change and variability within the study area. Furthermore, propensity score matching was performed to evaluate the impacts of adopting climate-smart agriculture by comparing adopter households with their non-adopter counterparts. Results The logit regression model’s findings from the research indicate that several factors influence smallholder farmer households’ adoption of climate-smart agricultural techniques and crop productivity. These factors include the farmer’s educational level, household size, fertilizer utilization, the household head’s age and gender, farming experience duration, livestock ownership status, annual household income, farmland size, the household head’s marital status, and access to climate-related information. Additionally, the propensity score matching analysis revealed that crop yields among smallholder farmers who adopted climate-smart agricultural practices were 20.20% higher compared to non-adopters. Furthermore, the analysis showed that implementing such practices in the study area led to a 21.50% increase in maize yields for adopter households relative to their non-adopter counterparts. Conclusion The findings of this research offer valuable insights to policymakers, guiding them in enhancing farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies and formulating relevant policies. Nevertheless, these initiatives and concerted efforts possess the potential to mitigate the detrimental impacts posed by climate change and climatic variability. This manuscript is an extract from my master of science degree in climate-smart agriculture from Haramaya University titled ‘Climate-Smart Practices: Effects of Agroforestry and Conservation Agriculture on Selected Physicochemical Properties of Soils and Crop Productivity among Smallholder Farmers, in Nyimba, Zambia.’ Please refer to this link; http://ir.haramaya.edu.et/hru/bitstream/handle/123456789/6402/PETROS%20CHAVULA.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1

Impact of behavioural intention to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices on the food and nutrition security of farming households: A microeconomic level evidence

The study examined the behavioural intention to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices (CSA) and its impact on the food-nutrition security (FNS) of farming households in South Africa. We employed a multistage sampling procedure to select rural maize farmers across the selected villages. To determine the impacts of behavioural adoption of CSA on the FNS of farming households, endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) was employed, while household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food insecurity access score (HFIAS) were used to determine the FNS status of the households. The findings emphasized the significance of the behavioural intentions of rural maize farmers, assessed through their attitudinal dimensions (measured in terms of perceived social norms, behavioural intentions, and control) in influencing the adoption decision of CSA practices, hence CSA adoption positively impacts FNS in South Africa. The result indicates that households that adopt CSA observe a 27% and 23% increase in HDDS and a decrease in HFIAS compared to those who do not adopt CSA practices, respectively. Thus, the outcome illustrates that the adoption of CSA practices substantially enhances the HDDS and HFIAS of rural maize farming households in South Africa. Following this backdrop, a concerted effort to raise knowledge of CSA practices through disseminating pertinent information will exert influence on the farmers' adoption behaviour towards CSA practices, which is capable of improving the FNS of rural maize farmers.

Gendered Gaps in the Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Africa and How to Overcome Them

In Africa, the agricultural sector contributes approximately 10–20% of the total anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It presents rapid growth as a result of rising food demand in Africa, which is being driven by population growth. Consequently, climate change can negatively affect crop yields and livestock production, thus threatening food security. This review highlights the existing gender gaps in African agriculture and discusses the drivers and barriers that maintain gender gaps in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption in African countries. Moreover, the review offers a comprehensive roadmap for the essential measures required to facilitate the widespread uptake of CSA practices among female farmers. Several CSA practices were reported, such as agricultural practices, forest and cropland regeneration practices, water resources, and the use of weather and climate information services. The gender gap in the adoption of CSA practices was influenced by policy legislation, financial resources, social and cultural taboos, and technical determinants such as climate information access. To address this gender gap, scientific-outcome-based research should be used to address gender gaps among female small farmers. In conclusion, to overcome the gender gap in CSA adoption in Africa, this review recommends the use of a gender-responsive approach, the development of scientific research-driven measures, and the prioritization of gender equality in governments’ agendas in the context of climate change uncertainty.

Effect of Climate Change on Crop Yield in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of climate change on crop yield in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Climate change in Nigeria has caused declining crop yields due to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. This trend adversely affects staple crops like maize and rice, despite adaptation efforts through resilient crop varieties and better agricultural practices. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental determinism, vulnerability theory & resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on effect of climate change on crop yield in Nigeria. Encourage the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated crop-livestock systems, that enhance resilience to climate change while improving productivity and sustainability. Develop policies that support the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, incentivize the use of climate-smart technologies, and facilitate access to climate information and advisory services for farmers.

Factors influencing small holder farmers adoption of climate SMART agriculture practices in Welmera Woreda, Central Ethiopia

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs.

Gender gaps in the adoption of climate‐smart agricultural practices: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractIn this paper we examine whether there are significant gender differences in the adoption of climate‐smart agricultural (CSA) practices in sub‐Saharan Africa. Using individual‐level data from four sites in Kenya, Uganda and Senegal, our empirical analysis provides robust evidence that men have a higher likelihood of adopting high‐return CSA practices including modern chemical fertiliser, improved high‐yielding varieties and drought/pest tolerant livestock practices. In contrast, women tend to have a higher likelihood of adopting low‐risk and low‐return traditional CSA practices such as water harvesting, crop covering, rangeland management and pest management. Our subsample analysis shows significant heterogeneity in the gender gap across countries. The results of the decomposition of the observed gender gap show that personal values and norms, access to weather and production information and farm characteristics are important factors that explain the gender differential in the likelihood of CSA adoption. Our findings imply that equalising access to key resources such as plots of land, information and decision making power will be crucial to close the gender gap in the adoption of CSA practices. This is particularly important given the differential impacts of climate change between men and women in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Zomba, Eastern Malawi

Smallholder farmers in Malawi largely depend on rainfed agriculture, despite climate change posing serious threats to this form of agriculture. The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is pivotal in offsetting the effects of climate change on agriculture. Despite the great potential of climate-smart agricultural practices in combating the effects of climate change on agriculture, smallholder farmers’ adoption of it remains low. Reasons are varied, suggesting that the factors are largely contextual. This study, therefore, explored the determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Zomba, within the framework of the diffusion of innovations. Using a convergent mixed research design, the study purposively selected key informants and randomly selected smallholder farmers. Questionnaires, interviews, 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 only 26% of smallholder farmers have adopted the promoted climate-smart agricultural practices. Compatibility and simplicity are the chief determinants of climate-smart agricultural practice adoption. The majority of smallholder farmers fall under the late majority. Evidence shows that labour and capital intensive climate-smart agricultural practices are less likely to be adopted by smallholder farmers. Implementing agencies, therefore, should first consult the local farmers on the ground to see practices that are already being followed and are suitable before bringing the new ones. This will ensure that the appropriate climate-smart agricultural practices are promoted.

Social responsibility awareness and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices: evidence from food-based family farms in China

Social responsibility awareness and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices: evidence from food-based family farms in China

Gendered livelihoods and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Nigeria

Feminist research maintains that livelihood activities are socially differentiated. While gendered unevenness in livelihood opportunities may condition the agricultural adaptive capacities of male-headed households (MHHs) and female-headed households (FHHs) to climate change, the gendered dimensions of livelihood activities have not been addressed in much of the climate-smart agriculture practices (CSAPs) adoption literature. This paper expands feminist livelihood research by analysing gendered dimensions of livelihood activities and their relation to the adoption and intensity of the use of CSAPs. The analysis draws on a nationally representative Living Standards Measurement Survey - Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA) panel dataset from Nigeria. The research findings show that a significantly higher percentage of FHHs (51%) are involved in on-farm activities compared to their MHHs (38%) counterparts (p < 0.01). The results further show that gendered household headship (HH) is significantly associated with the adoption of CSAPs. Moreover, based on a feminist approach to livelihoods, we find that livelihood diversification moderates the relationship between gendered HH and CSAP adoption intensity. This suggests that FHHs with more livelihood opportunities have a greater probability of adopting a greater number of CSAPs than MHHs. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for the promotion of CSAPs and sheds light on how the Nigerian government can formulate gender-sensitive policies to promote the adoption of CSAPs.

Enhancing dietary diversity and food security through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Nigeria: a micro level evidence

AbstractThe paranoid belief that climate change will gradually reduce the ability of the world to meet the demand for food serves as the rationale for Nigerian smallholder farmers’ advocacy of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) techniques. The study investigates the effects of CSA practice on the food security status of rural farming households in Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting 480 rural farming households across three selected states from Southwest, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Obtained results showed that 59.79% of the respondents were food insecure while severe and depth of food insecure among the farming households were 0.0711 and 0.1913 respectively. The result of the household dietary diversity score revealed the diverse consumption-ability of the respondents and the contributions of CSA practice in their farming system. This implies that households engaged in climate-smart farming are more likely to achieve higher levels of food consumption score, dietary diversity, and food security. The probit regression revealed that the food security status among rural farming households was significantly influenced by household heads’ gender, farm size, and contact with extension agents as well as adopted CSA practices such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and use of Fadama land for agricultural activities. This research concludes that CSA lowered the probability of food insecurity among rural farming households in Nigeria. Accordingly, the study suggests that the government and the key players should encourage the use of CSA practices in order to ensure agricultural sustainability and food security in agrarian communities by reducing the impact of climate change.