Adoption Of Climate-smart Agricultural Practices Research Articles

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.

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.

Using participatory videos in understanding farmers experiences with climate smart agricultural practices: reflections from Ghana

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has gained traction as one of the effective strategies in tackling the climate crisis. Many CSA practices have been promoted by development agencies to smallholder farmers based on the assumption that farmers would adopt these innovations for their potential benefits. However, the adoption of CSA practices in Ghana and much of Africa remains low and decision making and on-farm innovation processes are poorly understood. This study seeks to provide empirical and participatory insight into how smallholder farmers innovate. Based on a novel application of a participatory video methodology, in farming communities in the Upper West Region of Ghana, that have been exposed to multiple CSA intervention programmes, the paper analyses farmers’ own self-curated accounts of experiences with CSA innovation. The findings show that farmer’s motivation to adopt CSA innovations is driven by their concerns for food security, economic gains, and the environmental impact of climate change on their farming activities and livelihood. The study reveals a mismatch between the CSA technologies and practices advanced by the development agencies and what farmers perceive as relevant and important in addressing their farming challenges. In particular, the findings show that in a pool of more than 12 CSA technologies and practices that had been promoted through three donor-driven intervention programmes in the communities, farmers selected less labour intensive, less costly, and CSA technologies and practices that fitted to their current farming practices and the local context. Agricultural extension agents served as an important information source on the CSA innovation and their practical implementation and farmers’ social groups played a crucial role in facilitating learning about the CSA technologies and practices. There is the need to integrate farmers voices using innovative methodologies such as participatory videos to better understand farmers’ experiences in the innovation process which will help inform the design of effective interventions and promote adoption of innovations aimed at enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers and reducing environmental impacts in African food systems. By focusing on the innovations that farmers perceive as beneficial and adaptable to their local contexts, development organizations can use their resources more efficiently and promote adoption of contextually appropriate CSA innovations.

Climate Smart Agriculture and its Implication on Climate Change Adaptation Measures within Smallholder Farming Systems in Gatundu South, Kenya

The impacts of climate change and the need for implementing adaptation and mitigation measures continues to dominate global environmental dialogue, with the Africa Climate Summit 2023 and Conference of Parties 28 being the most recent in this series. A hitherto marginalised aspect is the level of adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices in smallholder production systems. This study explored this dimension using Gatundu South as a case study. Rainfall data was obtained from the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data. Socio-economic data targeting 384 respondents was collected using questionnaires. Standard procedures were used to analyse these data. Results showed that farmers are generally aware of climatic variability especially as evidenced by changes in rainfall patterns. Farmers adapt and attempt to mitigate effects of climate change and variability by using practices that deliver direct economic benefits and not necessarily the climate-smartness of the practices. Farmers did not associate their adaptation measures with the need to reduce emission of greenhouse gasses. To smallholder farmers, direct economic benefits are the primary incentives for the adoption of climate-smart practices. Further, the link between climate change and the invisible greenhouse gases is a knowledge gap among smallholder farmers. Therefore, adoption of climate smart agriculture practices can be enhanced if the narrative shifts to emphasise the negative contribution of greenhouse gases to farmers’ health and the concomitant medical costs, through their role in exacerbating air pollution

Small-scale Farmers&amp;rsquo; Adoptions of Climate-smart Agricultural Practices in the Guinean Savanna&amp;rsquo;s Agroecological Zones

Purpose: Guinean Savanna is the largest agro-productive area in Guinea and the most vulnerable to climate-induced hazards that challenge farming practices and cause crop failures. Subsequently, small-scale farmers have recently lent themselves to climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) as alternatives to maintain food security. Developing such practices has led this study to identify farmers’ know-how of CSAPs and factors motivating these practices. Research Method: Methods including household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations were used to collect data from a purposive random sample of 1,500 small-scale farmers in nine agroecological zones susceptible to drought and flood. Multivariate probit model was used to determine factors influencing small-scale farmers’ adoption of CSAPs. Findings: Results show that adoptions of CSAPs were influenced by farmers’ socio-economic characteristics including access to income sources from non-farm activities, holding of livestock and/or a plantation, perceived impacts of climate change, and membership to a farm-based organisation. Other factors such as farming experience, educational level, gender and age were also motivating farmers to adopt CSAPs. On the contrary, household size was not significant in adopting CSAPs in the Guinean Savanna. Limitation: This study only covers 9 of the 17 agroecological zones that make up the Guinea Savanna.Originality/Value: Being the first study that showed an interest in CSAPs in the study area, it provides information that could enhance food security and communities’ resilience.

Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and its impact on smallholder farming households in some rural areas of North-Western Nigeria

Abstract The study determined the impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption on crop yield, income, and food security status of smallholder farmers in north-western Nigeria using a sample of 377 farming households. Descriptive statistics, farm budgeting, probit regression model, and treatment effect model were used for data analysis. The result revealed that 82 % of the respondents are adopters of the CSA practices. Significant differences exist in the socioeconomic attributes of the adopters and non-adopters of CSA practices. More so, adopters had significantly larger farm sizes of about 4.0ha compared to 3.4ha for non-adopters. The major CSA practices adopted include crop rotation, application of organic and inorganic fertilisers, and multiple cropping. The major determinants of CSA practices adoption are age, membership of an association, and awareness of climate change impact. The result further shows that CSA adoption will increase technical efficiency scores by 21.9 %, crop income by ₦19,389 ($17.62) per hectare, while the household per capita expenditure on food will also increase by ₦21,938 ($20.0) This implies that the adoption of climate-smart agriculture significantly improved crop yield, income and food security status of smallholder farmers. To sustain the benefits of CSA practices adoption, farmers should be supported so that they do not discontinue its adoption. Credit availability should also be facilitated by the government to enable farmers to obtain relevant agricultural inputs to complement the adoption of CSA practices.

Constraints Faced by Paddy Farmers in Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices: A Comparative Study

The study was conducted in 2023 to identify the major constraints faced by paddy farmers in the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in the eastern climactic zone of Haryana. The data was collected with a structured interview schedule from two groups of villages namely climate-smart and non-climate-smart villages randomly selected 120 respondents from four blocks of Karnal and Kaithal districts. The constraints were divided into three categories i.e., economic constraints, socio-personal constraints, and technological constraints. The analysis revealed that technical constraints such as lack of awareness about climate-smart agricultural practices, lack of training, and complexity of climate-smart practices were the major barriers to the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices among the farmers of non-climate smart villages whereas, economic constraints such as increased cost of paddy production, higher initial investments in inputs and lower paddy yields were the most serious constraints faced by farmers in climate smart villages. Furthermore, it was observed that, while there was not much difference in socio-personal and economic constraints faced by both groups of respondents, however, respondents from non-climate smart villages faced a significantly higher degree of technical constraints as compared to the respondents from climate smart villages.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Climate-smart Agriculture Practices: Evidence from Uttar Pradesh, India

The study examined the determinants of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in Uttar Pradesh. The systematically collected data of 480 sampled farmers from two regions of Uttar Pradesh, namely Central and Bundelkhand, was analysed using the binary logistic regression model. A field survey was conducted in August and September 2022. Farmers belonging to the Lucknow district were having relatively higher adoption rates of CSA practices. Entrepreneurial orientation (EO), consisting of risk-taking, innovativeness, and pro-activeness, was a significant factor influencing farmers’ adoption of CSA techniques. The findings show that male farmers are more inclined to use irrigation, certified seed, crop rotation, and soil testing. Education is linked to the acceptance of certified seed and soil testing, which necessitates financial commitment from farmers. Farmers, who have improved their irrigation facilities their income increased by 11.50 per cent, while those who had tested soil before plantation, the income increased by 54.76 per cent. Therefore, research indicates that entrepreneurship training and education courses for farmers should be customised to aspects of entrepreneurial orientation, such as risk-taking, innovativeness, and proactiveness.

The impact of livelihood capitals on farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices: Evidence from rice production in the Jianghan Plain, China

As the relationship between climate change and agricultural production increasingly gains attention, the FAO recommends the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices (CSAPs) to ensure the stable development of agriculture amidst changing climatic conditions. However, the adoption rate of CSAPs remains low and the effects of livelihood capitals have received little attention. Based on the survey data for 916 farmers in the Jianghan Plain of China, this paper adopts a multivariate Probit model to examine the impact of farmers’ livelihood capitals which are measured by an entropy-TOPSIS approach on their adoption of CSAPs. Our results demonstrate that different livelihood capitals exert various influence on the adoption of CSAPs. Specifically, human, financial, physical, and social capital have positive relationships with pesticide-oriented CSAPs such as integrated pest management (IPM). Natural capital has a positive relationship with seed- and water- oriented CSAPs like tolerant rice varieties (TRV). Natural capital positively relates to soil-oriented CPSPs including rice straw mulching (RSM) while physical capital has a negative effect. Natural and physical capitals have positive relationships with fertilizer-oriented CSAPs like deep placement of fertilizer (DPF). Social and natural capitals have positive relationships with soil-oriented CSAPs such as no-tillage direct seeding (NTDS) while financial capital has a negative effect. Climate factors are also important in the adoption of CSAPs such as TRV and RSM. Finally, policy recommendations are suggested to enhance household livelihood capitals to promote the adoption of each type of CSAP.

A systematic literature review of factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices

A systematic literature review of factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices

Constraints Inhibiting Farmers’ Adoption of Cattle Feedlots as a Climate-Smart Practice in Rural Communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa: An In-Depth Examination

The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is crucial for enhancing resilience to climate change in rural communities, particularly in developing regions like the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This study provides an in-depth examination of the factors constraining farmers’ adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice in the rural communities of the Eastern Cape. The research aims to identify the barriers and challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of cattle feedlots and understand the underlying factors contributing to the farmers’ decision-making processes. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, to gather data from 250 farmers in rural communities of the Eastern Cape. The data were analyzed using regression analysis and thematic analysis to identify the key constraints inhibiting the adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart strategy. The findings revealed several significant constraints that farmers faced in adopting cattle feedlots. Financial limitations, including limited access to credit and lack of financial resources, emerged as critical barriers. Infrastructure and resource constraints, such as inadequate water supply and electricity, hindered adoption. Knowledge and skills gaps, cultural and social factors, market limitations, and environmental considerations further contributed to the constraints experienced by farmers. To address these constraints, the study proposes interventions to promote the adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice. These interventions include improving access to affordable financing options, providing capacity-building programs on feedlot management and climate-smart practices, disseminating information on feedlot benefits and best practices, developing the necessary infrastructure, strengthening market linkages, and creating a supportive policy environment. However, it is important to note the study’s limitations, such as the small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the data, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Further research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings in a broader context. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the factors constraining farmers’ adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice in the rural communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Farm households’ adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices: empirical evidence from Seychelles

Farm households’ adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices: empirical evidence from Seychelles

Effect of perception on adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Irish potato farming: A case of Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Perception of climate change has been one of the important factors that enables or hinders the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) among farmers worldwide. Nevertheless, little in-depth analysis and information exist in Kenya on how ⁠ Irish potato farmers perception influence their adoption to CSAPs. It is crucial to understand how farmers perceive the various practices to create successful approaches for ⁠ encouraging the implementation of CSAPs among farmers. The focus of this article is to investigate perception aspects that influence the adoption of CSAPs among Irish potato farmers in ⁠ Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. In a population of 1500 Irish potato farmers, a random sample of 196 farmers were interviewed. Descriptive statistics was used to ⁠ analyze farmers' benefits, ⁠ sustainability, and effectiveness perception aspects. SPSS version 28, and Stata version ⁠ 17 software, were employed for econometric analysis. The investigation involved employing a principal ⁠ component analysis (PCA) model. The results of PCA analysis show that the benefits aspect rotated factor ⁠ loadings explained 96.09% of the total variance, sustainability explained 93.61%, and effectiveness accounted for 94.43%. The study recommends that policymakers and extension services focus on increasing farmers' awareness concerning ⁠ the benefits of embracing climate-smart practices in boosting productivity and food security.

A Review of Building Community Resilience for Stress Free Future Farming

Farming in India, despite numerous challenges, continues to play a pivotal role in feeding the nation's vast population. Recognizing the need for resilient agricultural practices to sustain the profession and secure the future of farming, explore the importance of adopting to change in the agricultural sector. The review highlights the current challenges faced by Indian agriculture, including climate change, diminishing natural resources, fragmented land holdings, lack of access to technology and information, and socio-economic disparities. These challenges pose significant threats to the sustainability and viability of farming, necessitating proactive measures to build resilience. To make farming stress-free and attractive for future generations, the review proposes various strategies and approaches that can enhance agricultural resilience. These include the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture, precision farming, and agroforestry, to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, the promotion of sustainable water management techniques, efficient irrigation systems, and watershed management can address the issue of diminishing water resources. Recognizing the role of policy frameworks in fostering agricultural resilience, the paper underscores the need for government support in the form of favourable policies, subsidies, and incentives.