Determinants Of Smallholder Farmers Research Articles

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Decisions to Use Multiple Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies in North Wello Zone, Northern Ethiopia

Climate change presents significant challenges to agriculture in developing nations, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and food security. In Ethiopia, agriculture is crucial to the economy and the well-being of millions. This study focuses on analyzing the determinants that affect smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies in the North Wello administrative zone, northern Ethiopia. Through multivariate and ordered probit econometric models, data from 411 rural household heads were analyzed. Results reveal the synergy among climate-smart agricultural practices in rainfed farming systems, essential for crafting a comprehensive CSA package within an agroecological framework. The multivariate probit estimation results show that education, membership in local organizations, farm size, tropical livestock unit (TLU), irrigated land ownership, plot number, steep slope, farmland distance to home, and access to a local media source are positive determinants for the decision to use the type and several climate-smart agricultural practices. Lack of credit, large family size, distance from extension services, and proximity to the nearest market were all associated with lower adoption of all CSA technologies. The findings suggest that blanket recommendations for climate-smart agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers can be avoided. The complementarities that exist between CSA technologies may require further investigation into how such complementarities have benefits in terms of improving land productivity and food security and reducing climate-related risks for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and other contexts. Moreover, by emphasizing an agroecological framework, the study promotes environmentally sustainable and socially equitable agricultural practices that are economically viable, contributing to broader environmental sustainability and development goals.

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.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers' Awareness of Crop Insurance in Kedah, Malaysia

Agriculture is a major source of income for humans and has become an agro-food commodity. However, this industry is vulnerable to a wide range of dangers, including climate change, natural disasters, illnesses, and pests. Crop insurance is not a new concept in advanced economies since it has been recognized as an efficient instrument for mitigating agricultural risks and encouraging farmers to employ modern technology and innovation. This research investigates the determinants of smallholder farmers' awareness of crop insurance in the agricultural landscape of Kedah, Malaysia. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between knowledge, risk attitude and farm size on the farmers' awareness of crop insurance. The study, based on a sample of 100 farmers, utilizes a non-probability sampling technique to collect data through structured questionnaires. The research employs reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to evaluate the raw data and uncover the factors influencing farmers' awareness of crop insurance. The study conclusion shows a strong correlation between farmers' knowledge levels and farm size as important indicators of crop insurance awareness. The analysis emphasizes how crucial it is to increase farmers' understanding through focused educational programs and customized awareness campaigns that take farm size dynamics into account. Policymakers and agricultural extension services can enable smallholder farmers to make well-informed decisions about using crop insurance as a strategy to manage agricultural risks and guarantee financial stability by making information and resources easily accessible.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ About Choices of Sustainable Land Management Practices in West Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Due attention has recently been given to the choices of sustainable land management practices (SLMPs) to reduce land degradation and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers in developing countries. A rising number of people believe that Sustainable Land Management is an essential strategy for enhancing food security. For generations, Ethiopia has been regarded as a hotspot of land degradation, posing a severe threat to agricultural productivity leading to widespread rural poverty. Hence, this study aimed at identifying the determinants of smallholder farmers’ choice of SLMPs in the West Wollega zone, Oromia region of Ethiopia using the Multivariate Probit (MVP) model. 
 
 Results: Results of the MVP model show that the predicted probabilities of adopting organic fertilizer, area closure, soil and water conservation, crop rotation, and compost were 37.2, 35.3, 40.5, 38.3, and 38.5% respectively. The MVP model results also show that the five SLMPs are complementary and the probability that households choose all five SLMPs was 23% which is low. Further, results of the MVP model show that cooperative membership, model farmer contact, farm size, non-farm income, credit, farm experience, perceived soil erosion, social capital, livestock owned, farmland slope, NGO intervention, information access, and training have a significant positive influence while age, family size, and perceived input cost significantly and negatively impacted the choice of SLMPs by households in the study area. 
 
 Conclusions: The findings of the study confirm that socioeconomic, household, farm and institutional characteristics of the households have a significant impact on the choices of SLMPs and hence the need to focus on the above-mentioned factors to enhance the choices of SLMPs and reduce land degradation problem in the study area. The results also highlight the significance of environmentally-friendly policies, which include sustainable development, SLMPS plan determination, environmental permits, and incentive programs for managing the sustainability of land management performance in land-use policy within the local context.

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in highland bamboo markets: The case of Hula and Gummer Districts, Ethiopia

We investigated the factors that determine participation by smallholder farmers’ in the highland bamboo markets in Ethiopia. Our empirical data were drawn from a representative survey of 274 bamboo growers in the Hula and Gummer districts of Southern Ethiopia. A double-hurdle econometric model was used to explain decisions regarding whether to sell highland bamboo and how much to sell. We found that 67% of the farm households in the sample had sold a certain amount of highland bamboo over the 12-month time period. The double-hurdle estimation results suggest that family size, proportion of land allocated to the production of highland bamboo, access to training, off-farm income, market links, bamboo farming experience, and access to market information have positive and significant effects on the decision to sell bamboo as well as on how much to sell. In contrast, households far from all weather-roads had significantly lower bamboo sales than those located nearby. Market participation was also highly correlated with the geographical location of households.

Determinants of smallholder farmers' adoption of agroforestry practices: Sodo Zuriya District, southern Ethiopia

Determinants of smallholder farmers' adoption of agroforestry practices: Sodo Zuriya District, southern Ethiopia

Gender dimensions of climate change adaptation in Tigray, Ethiopia

The study of the impacts and drivers of climate change adaptation should consider gender (in)equality and women’s participation, as they both play pivotal roles. However, research on gender aspects of climate change adaptation has been limited. This study assesses gender dimensions of adaptation to climate change and determinants of smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies in Adwa district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Drawing on household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions carried out in 2017, the study found that climate change had more severe impacts on female-headed households than on male-headed households. This was due to women’s lack of resource access and control, lack of income and technology use, and high dependence on natural resources. Major climate change adaptation measures identified in the study area included adjustment of planting dates, crop varieties, water harvesting practices, soil and water conservation, irrigation, seasonal migration, diversifying income sources, and agricultural inputs. Rates and extent of adaptation varied by gender. As indicated by multivariate probit analysis, major determinants of farmers’ adaptation choices included agro-ecology; gender, age, education, family size, farm size, non-farm income, livestock; access to information, extension services, and credit; and distance to market center. Study findings suggest that policymakers should consider differences between female- and male-headed families in their access to land, information, income, extension services, technologies, and other resources. By doing so, climate change adaptation practices may be broadened and sustainable development promoted.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Income Diversification in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Income Diversification in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ extent of participation in climate-smart agricultural projects in Kakamega County, Kenya

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ extent of participation in climate-smart agricultural projects in Kakamega County, Kenya

Contributions of Climatic Smart Agricultural Practises on Adaptation to Climate Change among Small holder farmers in Nyaribari Chache Sub-County, Kisii County

Smallholder farmers are usually susceptible to the effects of climatic variations. Most of these farmers, their agricultural activities are greatly rainfall dependent and compounded by their acute poverty, poor infrastructural and technological advancement. This study sought to assess the contribution of Climate Smart Agricultural strategies on adaptation to climate change among small holder farmers in Nyaribari Chache Sub-County, Kisii County. A household survey was conducted for collection of primary data. Ten administrative sub-locations were randomly sampled for the study. Twenty households were randomly sampled from each sub-location to make a sample size of 200 households. Questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions were administered to collect data on contributions of Climate Smart Agricultural strategies to adapt to climate change among small holder farmers in Nyaribari Chache Sub-County, Kisii County. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were used to analyze data collected. Study findings indicated that crop diversification, use of different crop cultivars, crop rotation and mixed cropping were the primary adaptation approaches employed in the study area. CSAP Adopted by Smallholder Farmers was statistically significant (p<0.005). Determinants of smallholder farmers’ choice of CSAP on adaptation to climatic variations had a significant impact on embracing of CSAP (p<0.005). Access to credit facilities, inadequate extension facilities, low education levels, scanty weather and climate statistics were main hurdles impacting on implementation of CSAP. Therefore, in order to check the susceptibility of smallholder farmers to effects of weather or climate erraticism and variations, stakeholders should heighten exposure of farmers to extension services and prompt distribution of climate variations data for informed decision making.

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ maize grain storage protection practices and understanding of the nutritional aspects of grain postharvest losses

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ maize grain storage protection practices and understanding of the nutritional aspects of grain postharvest losses

The Determinants of Smallholder Farmers on the Functionality of Plant Health Clinics in the Vhembe District, South Africa

A plant health clinic is a system in which under-resourced and smallholder farmers can access basic services of plant healthcare from a plant clinic in relation to infected or symptomatic plants and plant products for pest diagnostic and identification purposes. The factors that influence smallholder farmers’ awareness and accessibility to plant health clinics in the Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa were examined in this study. The study also identified the constraints of the plant clinics that prevent their effective utilization. Three-hundred and twenty smallholder farmers (n = 320) from the population of 1600 were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select the 320 smallholder farmers from 8 irrigation schemes in the study area. To ensure representation, all categories of smallholder farmers were included in the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages and Logit regression model were employed for the data analyses. The results revealed that there is a statistically significant and positive relation between communication channels and plant clinics awareness and accessibility among smallholder farmers. The distance to plant clinics has a negative influence on the accessibility of plant clinics among the farmers; however, the accessibility of plant clinic improves when visits by extension officers or plant doctors to farmers increase. The study pointed out some challenges affecting the functionality of plant clinics, which could be resolved through an efficient and effective plant clinic framework that involves major role players. An efficient and effective plant clinic framework was therefore developed by the study to improve its usefulness for diagnosing plant pest symptoms and diseases. The study concluded that plant clinic framework was important and should be considered and adopted by policy makers within the government, research institutes, and other NGOs.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Income-Generating Activities in Rubber Monoculture Dominated Region Based on Sustainable Livelihood Framework

The rapid expansion of rubber plantations in Xishuangbanna, China, has severely decreased rubber prices in the last several years. The income loss and other adverse environmental impacts have brought livelihood challenges and opportunities to develop and adopt more diversified and environmental-friendly income-generating activities (IGAs). To better understand the constraints and opportunities for smallholder rubber farmers to sustain or improve their livelihoods, this study investigates which IGAs are applied by local farmers and the factors that determine their adoption, using the sustainable livelihood framework as the theoretical guideline. The qualitative approach is applied using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Five directions of changes in IGAs (i.e., intercropping, other cash crops, livestock raising for marketing, part-time job, and land renting) are identified, and local farmers are categorized into three groups (i.e., rejective, affirmative, and hesitate groups) based on their attitudes towards these IGAs. The results reveal that the main adoption motivations of certain IGAs are closely related to price shock, economic return, information, and extension service. Based on the results, suggestions are provided to enhance farmers’ motivation to make changes and improve the adoption of emerging IGAs with attention given to vulnerability contexts, livelihood assets and institutional assistance.

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate variability in Suha watershed, Upper Blue Nile basin, Northwest Ethiopia

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate variability in Suha watershed, Upper Blue Nile basin, Northwest Ethiopia

Determinants of smallholder farmers' membership in co-operative societies: evidence from rural Kenya

PurposeDespite the potential for co-operatives to improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods, membership in the co-operatives is low. This study examines factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions to join agricultural co-operatives.Design/methodology/approachThis study involved a survey of 1,274 smallholder chicken farmers. The data were analysed through a two-sample t-test of association, Pearson's Chi-square test and binary probit regression model.FindingsThe results suggest that farming as the main source of income, owning a chicken house, education attainment, attending training or accessing information, vaccination of goats and keeping a larger herd of goats are the key factors which significantly influence co-operative membership. However, gender, age, household size, distance to the nearest agrovet, vaccinating chicken and the number of chickens kept do not influence co-operative membership.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey did not capture data on some variables which have been shown to influence co-operative membership. Nevertheless, the results show key explanatory variables which influence membership in co-operatives.Practical implicationsThese findings have implications for development agencies that seek to use co-operatives for agricultural development and improvement of smallholder farmers' livelihoods. The agencies can use the results to initiate interventions relevant for different types of smallholder farmers through co-operatives.Originality/valueThis study highlights the influence of smallholder farmers' financial investments in farming and the extent of commercialisation on co-operative membership. Due to low membership in co-operatives, recognising the heterogeneity of smallholder farmers is the key in agricultural development interventions through co-operative membership.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2022-0165.

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ livelihood trajectories. Evidence from rural Malawi

ABSTRACT This paper examines the determinants of livelihood trajectories of households surveyed in rural Malawi in 2007 that were tracked in 2018. Using a set of indicators, including income source diversification and participation in social assistance programmes, households were placed in different trajectories, namely, dropping out, stepping up, hanging in and stepping in. A multinomial logit model was used to analyse factors explaining placement in a livelihood trajectory. We find that the explanatory factors are not the same for farmers in different pathways. The stepping-up of households is likely with increasing commercialization and significant asset accumulation. Furthermore, the stepping-in trajectory is constrained by initial land holding sizes but is more likely if a household has had experience with the cultivation of several different kinds of crops. We find that crop diversification reduces the chance of dropping out but also increases the possibility of hanging in, implying that the blanket recommendation to farmers to diversify crop production may not attain the same benefits to all farmers. This may well be complemented with useful extension services, especially for young farming households. Overall, the study findings point to the complexity and the need for context-dependent development approaches to provide sustainable escapes from poverty.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies in Response to a Changing Climate: A Review of Sub-Saharan Africa Agriculture

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies in Response to a Changing Climate: A Review of Sub-Saharan Africa Agriculture

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Participation in Improved Sheep Production: The Case of Doyogena District, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background. Improved sheep production practices are becoming relevant, but smallholder farmers’ involvement in improved sheep production was below expectations and detailed studies were restricted on the determinants of the participation of smallholder farmers in improved sheep production. This research was conducted to examine the determinants of the involvement of smallholder farmers in enhanced sheep production in the study area. Methods. Multi-stages sampling techniques were used for this study. Firstly, improved sheep production had a big effect on the incomes of households of participants and nonparticipants. Finally, three kebeles were chosen by basic random sampling, and the third was picked for systematic sampling by 144 survey respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Data collection techniques were undertaken by surveys, focus group discussions, and key informants. Quantitative data were used to evaluate descriptive statistics, such as average, frequency, standard deviation, scope, and inferential t-test and chi-square statistics, and a logit model. Qualitative data obtained from focus group discussion and key informants were analyzed by narrative and used for survey data triangulation. Results. Out of the 144 samples, 51 were participants and 93 were nonparticipants. Participation determinants found in this research field were household labor, age, communication frequency with developers, membership in cooperatives, land ownership, participation in credit, and off-farm income. Improved sheep production had a major effect on the incomes of households of participants and nonparticipants. Multiple determinants typically affect the role of smallholder farmers in raising sheep production. Conclusion. Future initiatives under a successful policy should aim at accelerating agricultural and rural growth by efficiently leveraging enhanced sheep capacity in particular in the study region and Ethiopia in general.

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in microfinance markets in Huye district, southern province, Rwanda

Microfinance markets play a significant role in enhancing socio-economic development of developing countries. In Rwanda, access to microfinance in financing agriculture is very important for future development. Despite this development, smallholder farmers still have limited access to institutional financial services. This study assessed factors that affect smallholder farmers’ participation in microfinance markets in three sectors of Maraba, Mukura and Ngoma in Huye district in Southern province of Rwanda. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and personal interviews. A total of 300 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique from participants and non-participants in microfinance markets. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Probit regression model. Results from descriptive statistics revealed that major sources of income were farming and business activities. Findings revealed also that each household had an average of about five members with standard deviation of 1.901 and mean value of household land size of 1.87 ha with standards deviation of 0.758. Findings from Probit analysis revealed that household size, education, total annual income, cooperative membership, and household savings had a positive and significant effect on smallholder farmers’ participation in microfinance markets. Distance from microfinance institutions negatively influenced participation in microfinance markets. Households that were located far from to the microfinance institutions were less likely to participate in microfinance markets compared to those nearer to the institutions. This study recommends microfinance institutions in Rwanda to expand their financial systems to enable smallholder farmers access affordable agricultural finance. Further, there is need for microfinance institutions to create more awareness programs to help smallholder farmers get key information related to microfinance services. This is expected to influence smallholder farmers’ willingness to apply for microcredits for agricultural development. This will in the long-run help the smallholder farmers to adopt new practices and technologies thus increasing their agricultural production.

Determinants of Seed Distribution System: The Case of Womberma District, North West Ethiopia

Bread wheat also known as common wheat is one of the most important crops for food security and job opportunities for many smallholders as well as the urban population in Ethiopia. Farmers obtain seed from both formal and informal seed distribution systems. The informal seed sector in the study area is the major supplier of seed for many crops grown in the Womberma district. However, access to the formal seed sector was limited for the farmers. Hence, this study initiated to analyze seed distribution system and determinants of smallholder farmers in selecting seed of bread wheat distribution system in the study areas. The primary data was collected through distributing research questionnaires for the seed distribution systems of bread wheat. The study was based on the data collected from 150 households by using the multistage probability sampling method. The survey result shows that the contribution of public companies for supplying improved bread wheat seed was only 33% whereas 100% of producers confirmed that sources of bread wheat seed were from farm saved and local market which were uncertified leading to production deterioration. In line with these, conducted focus group and key informants confirmed that the major problems of formal seed distribution system were lack of timely supply, price fluctuation, limited quantity, and lack of certified seed suppliers while those of the informal seed distribution system were adulteration, high price, low quality, unable to get the right amount, and lack of timely supply, which concluded that the distribution system was inefficient. The econometrics model was used to analyze determinants of selection in seed distribution system of bread wheat in the study areas. Hence, the result of logit model shows that the level of education, access to credit, household income, extension services, and seed quality significantly and positively influenced farmers’ selection of formal seed distribution system while distance to the nearest seed distribution area influenced negatively the selection of formal seed distribution system in the study areas. Therefore, any concerned bodies should give more attention to establish for farmers formal seed distribution systems of bread wheat seed so as to increase production and productivity of bread wheat in the study areas.