Provision Of Extension Services Research Articles

Perception and Adoption of Government Agricultural Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Western Uganda

Agriculture production and productivity remain key to feeding the growing population with agriculture extension being at the centre of the performance of the agricultural sector in Uganda. Research shows that improved technologies promoted through extension service provision could have an even greater impact on food production and on farmers’ livelihoods in developing countries like Uganda. This study was conducted to investigate the perception and adoption of improved agriculture technologies under the government extension system among smallholder farmers in Kagadi District, mid-western Uganda. Data was collected using a questionnaire from 149 randomly selected households in three sub-counties. Results generated using Excel and SPSS revealed a high positive perception index of +0.63 for government extension services. The level of adoption of improved technology based on generalised partial adoption was 54.3% with farm size and training attendance being the significant factors affecting adoption of improved agricultural technologies in the study area. It is clear from the results that notable differences exist in terms of the perceptions of government extension services and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. The general observation of farmers’ perception is that government extension service is helpful to farmers and is the major source of agricultural information in the area. Efforts should be made to support access to arable land and intensification of agricultural training sessions coupled with appropriate mobilisation of farmers to attend such training. Further studies should be done to understand these aspects on a wider scope in the country since this study was only conducted in one district. There is also needed to study the factors individually as well as the relationships with other factors to determine the adoption processes of technological advancement

The Provision of Agricultural Extension Services to Rural Farmers as a Strategy to Improve Agricultural Practices in South Africa

The government of South Africa has shown a commitment to providing extensive support to farmers by providing agricultural extension services. This qualitative study on providing agricultural extension services to rural farmers to improve agricultural productivity was conducted in Msinga Local Municipality. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Participants were sampled purposively, and data was analysed using content analysis. The agricultural extension officers played an important role in helping farmers with the provision of extension services, including seeds, manure, and the implementation of irrigation schemes and farm fencing. The extension services also included training and assisting farmers with vaccinating crops and livestock to protect them from diseases. Rural farmers were unable to attend training sessions and meetings organised by extension officers, and this has turned out to be a problem since farmers lack knowledge of farming methods and available information on possible financial assistance. There is a need to establish agricultural cooperatives that will liaise with agricultural extension officers and be able to communicate with other farmers when the officials are planning to meet with them for the provision of extension services.

Scaling up of sustainable soil management practices: some lessons from the hills of Nepal

A study was conducted to assess the scaling up processes of soil management practices under maize based farming systems in Panchkhal and Sanga areas of Kavre district. The key objectives of the study are to analyze the scaling up processes and pathways of soil management practices in the case study areas and identify factors related to scaling up at different levels. Three principalquestions guiding the analysis were: a) what are the positive aspects of scaling up processes and how can these be built on? b) What are the problems being experienced and how can these be overcome? c) What is the influence of people's livelihood strategies and assets on the processes? Kavre is one of the 10 districts where Sustainable soil Management Programme (SSMP) ofHelvetas has helped local people in the adoption of innovative soil management practices integrated with various cash and subsistence crops. With SMP support and advice, services to farmers in these areas create awareness and build their institutions (CIs) provide extension services to farmers in these areas create awareness and build their institutional capacity onadopting innovative soil management practices. The goal of the project is to improve livelihoods of resource poor farmers.Data for the study were gathered from 29 households through interviews, two workshops with key informants at the community level and a workshop with CIs at district levels, and review of SSMP and partners' documented information on the subject. The research team also made transect visits through the area, and interviewed several staff of the collaborating institutions. Qualitativeanalysis (in terms of perceptions of respondents) as well as quantitative analysis of data was done at household, community and institutional levels.

Advancing agriculture extension models in Africa: bridging the gap for effective delivery of technologies and innovations

Agriculture in Africa is undergoing transformative shifts, driven by the need for sustainable food production, increased productivity, and resilience to challenges such as climate change. This paper explores the current state of agriculture extension models in Africa and their role in delivering technologies and innovations to target beneficiaries and other stakeholders in agricultural innovation systems. We delve into key challenges, promising approaches, and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of extension services in the dynamic agricultural landscapes of Africa. The paper showcases innovative extension models by Sasakawa Africa Association that have made a significant impact. These include Farmer Learning Platforms (FLPs) model, Private and Extension Service Provision (PESP), The Agro-Processing Enterprise Center (APEC) Model, Community-Based Seed Multiplication (CBSM) model, private and extension service provision Model (PESP), and the community savings for investment in Agribusiness (CSIA) model. The Sasakawa Africa Fund for Education (SAFE) Demand Driven Curriculum (SDDC) model is also highlighted. These examples highlight the importance of context-specific approaches and the role of extension in empowering farmers to embrace sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. By addressing key challenges and leveraging opportunities, this paper aims to contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Africa. Key words: Agriculture extension models, Technology Adoption, participatory approaches, Innovation, Sustainable Development

Revitalising smallholder agriculture: the impact of technical training in rural Lebanon

AbstractThis paper provides new evidence about the impact of an agricultural development initiative focused on the cherry sector and implemented in rural areas of the Bekaa Valley (Lebanon). The initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities of smallholder farmers by strengthening technical skills, fostering sustainable productions and developing market linkages. Using original micro data from a sample of 118 smallholder cherry farmers, we explore, through a Difference-in-Differences approach, whether the development initiative, based on the provision of extension services and accompaniment through technical training, impacts on a broad set of alternative agricultural outcomes—namely, total cherry production, average market price, management competency and the adoption of improved agricultural practices. The results show that beneficiary small-scale farmers achieve better performances in three outcomes out of the four considered, with the adoption of improved and sustainable agricultural practices as the most remarkable result. Conversely, the management of the agricultural economic activity does not experience any statistically significant variation connected to the initiative implementation. The analysis of a limited source of treatment heterogeneity discloses the primary role of technical training, rather than other kinds of material support, to explain the main results.

Understanding dis-adoption of technologies by smallholder dairy farmers in Indonesia

Abstract Farmer cooperatives represent a vertical coordination strategy aimed at reducing transaction costs and facilitating the adoption of technologies among farmers. In their roles, cooperatives undertake internal coordination of activities which may include enforcement measures, provision of quality inputs, internal control, and negotiation of favourable terms of exchange with buyers. However, limited attention has been given to understanding how cooperatives’ performance in the internal coordination of activities either promotes or hinders the continued adoption of agricultural technologies among cooperative members. We conducted a case study of the dairy sector in West Java, Indonesia, and utilised a mixed-method approach combining insight from dairy cooperative board members and dairy farming households. Our results suggest that the dis-adoption of dairy technologies is rooted in weak or non-existent monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure input and output quality, the absence of price incentives, and inadequate provision of extension services. Furthermore, the lack of tight monitoring and control mechanisms reduces the cooperatives’ bargaining power with input providers and milk buyers. Unless these issues within the cooperatives are addressed, continued adoption of recommended dairy farming practices by smallholder farmers will not be sustained.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Wheat Row Planting Technology in Girar Jarso Woreda, North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, low production and productivity of wheat, which is mainly associated with poor adoption of technologies, is persistent in Ethiopia. In this regard, this study was conducted with the aim to find out the adoption level of wheat row planting technology and to identify factors that affect the adoption of wheat row planting in Girar Jarso woreda, North Shew zone, Oromia regional State, Ethiopia. In order to achieve these objectives, 118 rural households were selected by using three stage sampling procedure. Both primary and secondary data were used. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. The study result shows that about 45.76% and 54.24% of sample respondents were found to be adopter and non-adopter of wheat row planting technology respectively. A binary logistic regression model result shows that, age of the household head, education level of household, year of farming experience; total labor availability, total annual income and frequency of extension contact were found to be significant in affecting the adoption of wheat row planting. Therefore, the study recommends, the government, development workers, and policymakers should consider the provision of education and extension services. This study also suggests that, policymakers and development organizations should consider infrastructure development (particularly access to markets), and credit is important.

Farmer preference for macadamia varieties and constraints to production in Malawi.

Macadamia nuts constitute a vital component of both nutrition and livelihoods for smallholder producers in Malawi. We conducted a comprehensive mixed-methods study, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, to explore varietal preferences and production challenges among these farmers. Leveraging cross-sectional data from 144 members of the Highlands Macadamia Cooperative Union Limited, our study underscores several significant findings. Our findings reveal that the majority of smallholder macadamia farmers (62%) are aged over 50, with farming as their primary occupation. Varied preferences are driven by yield-related traits, including high yield potential (38%), nut quality (29%), and extended flowering patterns (15%). Among the macadamia varieties, the top five choices, grown by over half of the farmers, include HAES 660 (18%), 800 (10%), 791 (9%), 816 (8%), and 246 (7%). Additionally, our study identifies five primary constraints faced by smallholder macadamia farmers: insect pests (81%), diseases (34%), limited market access (33%), wind damage (25%), and inadequate agricultural advisory services (17%). Based on these findings, we propose two policy recommendations to enhance smallholder macadamia production and productivity in Malawi and other regions. Specifically, we advocate for informed breeding programs that align with farmer preferences to promote greater adoption of macadamia varieties. Additionally, we emphasize the crucial role of the Malawian government in the macadamia value chain, suggesting active participation in providing extension services and marketing support, akin to its support for other cash crops.

Building resilience of agricultural workers in the agrifood system in a post COVID-19 Era in Africa

In many economies in Africa, agriculture is the backbone for the economy. Additionally, it contributes significantly to the employment of many citizens in Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic affected various sectors across the world ranging from economically, socially, and physically. COVID-19 impacted agriculture and the work life of many agricultural workers in Africa. The effects of COVID-19 in African agriculture, calls for reengineering of the future and work life for agriculture workers in a post COVID-19 era. Agricultural workers are the drivers of agriculture, they are classified into various categories ranging from farmers, extension service providers, agribusiness development providers, among others. This paper through a theoretical review of thematic literature highlights how COVID-19 impacted on agricultural workers and agriculture in Africa. It also provides solutions towards the re-engineering of work life for agricultural workers in a post COVID-19 era. Reconstructing of work life in a post COVID- 19 era is key to job creation and a food secure continent. This results in an active workforce and other economic sectors working well and a thriving continent. The paper entails findings that farmers, agribusiness service providers and governments in Africa will find useful to ensure sustainable agriculture in Africa. Agricultural service providers, local and international organizations in the agriculture space will use the findings to design interventions that will enable smooth transition in the work life in a post COVID-19 era leading to a thriving agriculture landscape in Africa.

An assessment on adoption of Bordeaux paste and mixture by apple growers in Jumla district, Nepal

Apple production largely depend upon the orchard management. High hill of Nepal has great potentiality for apple production. Quality products are pre-requisite of today’s market. Quality product is only maintained through proper orchard management by adopting modern technology. This study focused on the determinants of adoption of Bordeaux paste and mixture by apple growers. A census survey was conducted to total 1500 apple growing farmers of Chandannath Municipality (1-10), Jumla in 2021 and interviewed individually with pre-tested structured interview schedules. Chandannath Municipality being the command area of Apple Super-Zone, Prime-minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) having potential producing center was selected for study. The collected information was coded and analyzed by using STATA. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and Probit Model of regression. Good explanatory power of probit model was revealed through likelihood ratio chi-square (LR chi2) was statistically significance at 1% level and pseudo R2 value was 0.6618. Variables such as gender, economic status of farmers, training received, experienced of farmers and availability of plant protection equipment were found statistically significant and are positively related to adoption. Others factors such as age of farmers and education status of farmers were positively correlated with adoption whereas factors such as active members of family, access to credit, farm size, family type and distance form extension services were found negatively related with the adoption of Bordeaux paste and mixture and statistically not significant. Providing subsidies to marginalized farmers, provision of training and extension service to rural farmers would increase adoption of Bordeaux paste and mixture for healthy apple production.

Value chain analysis of potato in Bajhang district, Nepal

The study was conducted in the Bajhang district from February to July 2022. Its goals were to find the key actors in the potato value chain, assess their linkage, analyse marketing margins, determine the share of value-addition among each actor, evaluate the production cost, productivity, and profitability of producers, examine the producer’s share in consumer rupees, and conduct a SWOT analysis. The data collection process involved the random purposive sampling technique to select a total of 80 potato producers, 5 aggregators, 5 wholesalers, 10 retailers, 50 consumers, and 3 extension service providers. Findings revealed that, on average, potato cultivation covered 0.215 hectares (4.23 Ropani) with a productivity of 13.46 Mt/ha, which is lower than the national average. The production cost of the producer was NRs. 301,756.60/Ha (NRs. 15,356.57/Ropani) with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.37, and the producer’s share was 51.68%. The primary value chain actors included input suppliers, producers, aggregators, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Marketing margins for producers, aggregators, wholesalers, and retailers were NRs. 359.25/quintal, NRs. 965/quintal, NRs. 945/quintal, and NRs. 1170/quintal, respectively. Value addition by potato producers accounted for 10.45%, while aggregators, wholesalers, and retailers contributed 28.05%, 27.48%, and 34.02%, respectively. The SWOT analysis highlighted opportunities like favourable policies, subsidies, processing options, rising potato demand, and potential production area expansion. To boost the profitability of the potato industry, it is imperative to address challenges such as poor seed quality, diseases-pests, drought, short shelf life, soil degradation, and fertilizer and pesticide availability while strengthening the linkage of value chain actors.

Demand for and intensity of use of extension services among cocoa farmers in Ghana: the heckpoisson approach.

In response to the evolving landscape of agricultural extension services, a paradigm shift is imperative, moving away from the traditional supply-centric approach to one that recognizes farmers as active participants influenced by socio-economic factors. This transformation is especially pertinent for cocoa farmers, whose livelihoods hinge on this crop. To elucidate this shift, our study employs a multistage sampling technique to select 400 cocoa farmers in the Tafo District, Eastern Region, Ghana to ensure representativeness and diversity. The Heckpoisson model analysis reveals that farmers' demand for and intensity of use of extension services are intricately linked to a spectrum of socio-economic factors; farming experience, cooperative membership, farm size, sex, number of farms, religion, land tenure, marital status, household size, access to credit, distance to the farm, age, and years of formal education. Building upon our insights, we recommend that extension service providers tailor their services to align with the socio-economic characteristics of farmers

Factors influencing the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices among smallholder farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Most of Kenya’s population’s livelihoods and agri-food systems rely on rain-fed agriculture making them vulnerable to climate change. The adverse effects of climate change on agricultural production have necessitated the promotion of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies help guide actions needed to transform and reorient agricultural systems to effectively support development and ensure food security by increasing farmers’ resilience to climate change. This study sought to ascertain the current state of CSA practices among Kakamega County's smallholder farmers to identify the main drivers of CSA adoption. Stratified sampling was used to select six sub-counties to represent the county's various agroecological zones and regions for the research sample. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling was used to select 428 smallholder CSA farmers of which 182 were adopters while 246 were dis-adopters. Primary data were collected using interview guides developed through the Kobo Collect Application. Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical packages were used to process and analyze the data. This study established that CSA technologies in Kakamega are mainly promoted by international development partners, non-governmental organizations and research organizations. In addition, the most adopted CSA technologies were agroforestry, composting, and soil and water conservation structures, while push-pull technology, conservation agriculture, and vermiculture were the least adopted. This study, further, established that smallholder farmers’ level of education, membership to a farmers’ group, interaction with extension officers and farming experience influenced adoption of CSA technologies. Other factors are those that increase household productive resources, such as land ownership, household income, and access to agricultural credit. The results of this study suggest that those who promote CSA technologies, policymakers, extension service providers, and other stakeholders should take smallholder farmers' socioeconomic and bio-physical factors into account when doing so. Key words: Climate-smart agriculture, CSA practices, CSA adoption, CSA dis-adoption, smallholder farmers

Characterization of the Guinea Pig Production Chain in Southern Colombia and Identification of Determining Factors for Adequate Provision of Extension Services

The development of agrifood systems in Latin America reflects contrasting policy goals. Most governments advocate that “modernization,” measured as increased rates of technology adoption, is the way to address persistent food insecurity. By contrast, peasants’ and indigenous people’s organizations and social movements propose advancing knowledge co-production and co-innovation to increase the resilience of agrifood systems. Colombia reformed the National Innovation System for Agriculture in 2017. The policy reform instructed transitioning from providing “technical advice” to rural extension services. The research aimed to fill the knowledge gap regarding the transition to rural extension along the guinea pig production chain. In addition to characterizing the production chain, we conducted qualitative and reflectivity analyses to understand better how institutional practices and research cultures hinder or promote transitioning to rural extension. The investigation revealed that small-scale farmers who rely on the production and commercialization of guinea pigs as a livelihood strategy have continued receiving advice to adopt the latest technologies. In closing, besides addressing technological deficits or inefficiencies, a systemic approach that considers cultural context and identity must integrate into rural extension to ensure technological adoption is aligned with the sustainability and resilience objectives of the guinea pig production chain.

Impact of Funding on Performance of Agricultural Extension Services in Bomet, Kenya: Case of Community-Based Organizations

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of funding on the performance of community-based organizations (CBOs) in delivering agricultural extension services in Bomet Central Sub County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aims to explore the relationship between funding and the capacity of CBOs to deliver extension services. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 327 respondents, including CBO members and officials. A systematic random sampling method was used to select respondents, and descriptive statistics revealed that a majority of respondents believed that the current funding for agricultural extension programs was inadequate and that increasing funding would significantly enhance the performance of CBOs in delivering extension services. Furthermore, lack of funding was identified as a hindrance to the provision of effective extension services by CBOs. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that community funding had a significant positive influence on CBO performance, accounting for 67.1% of the variations in performance (t = 2.149, p<0.05). These findings highlight the crucial role of funding in supporting CBOs in delivering comprehensive and timely extension services and emphasize the need for increased financial support to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce poverty and food insecurity in rural communities. This study contributes to the existing literature by specifically exploring the relationship between funding, CBOs, and agricultural extension services and providing recommendations for improving funding mechanisms to enable CBOs to fulfill their potential as catalysts for sustainable rural development.

Requirements for Developing the Technical Capabilities of Agricultural Extension Service Providers to Face the Effects of Climate Change in Baghdad Province

The aim of the research is to determine the requirements for developing the technical capabilities of the agricultural extension service providers to face the effects of climatic changes in Baghdad Governorate, to achieve the goal of the research and in order to obtain the respondents’ approval of the requirements (28) requirements were identified in the light of the literature and studies related to the subject and the opinions of specialists to develop the technical capabilities of the agricultural extension service providers distributed on two axes (the ability to know the effects of climate changes, the ability to know the practices to reduce the effects of climate changes). The research community and sample included all workers in the provision of agricultural extension service in the province of Baghdad and distributed to the Department of Agriculture Baghdad Al-Karkh and agricultural divisions affiliated to it and the Department of Agricultural Extension and Training in the province of Baghdad, the number of (110) persons. The results of the research showed that there was a great agreement by the respondents on all requirements for developing technical capabilities.As the requirement (developing the ability of the extension service provider to inform farmers of the impact of climate changes on the production of summer and winter crops) ranked first in terms of the level of approval of the respondents, which obtained a weighted average of (3.84) and a percentage weight of (96.1%). While the requirement (developing the ability of the extension service provider to educate farmers about the possibility of fires occurring in farms as a result of rising temperatures due to climate changes) came in the last order in terms of approval with a weighted average of (3.36) and a percentage weight of (90.9%). The researcher recommended the importance of the competent authorities considering the requirements for developing the technical capabilities of agricultural extension service providers and working on applying them to develop the performance of agricultural extension service providers in the face of climate changes.

Evaluation of the Providing Extension Services to Vegetable Growers in the Field of Rationalizing Irrigation Water in Baghdad Province

The aim of research is to Evaluating the extension service provided to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water, as well as identifying the problems facing vegetable growers in this field. The Baghdad governorate was chosen as a region to conduct the research because it is one of the governorates that are interested in growing vegetable crops. In order to achieve the objectives of the research, a plan was prepared as a result of the evaluation study of the extension service an introduction to vegetable growers in the field of irrigation water rationalization, consisting of 47 paragraphs distributed over 5 areas (Organization, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation). A random sample of 50 vegetable growers was selected at a rate of 2% of the total vegetable growers in the research governorate, totaling 3350 farmers, to study the problems they face in the field of rationalizing irrigation water according to a quartet scale consisting of 30 items distributed over 5 areas: (climatic problems, financial problems, technology problems, extension activities problems, equipment problems). The research concluded that there is a weakness in the extension service provided to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water, as well as the absence of effective plans strategies by the relevant authorities in facing the problem of scarcity of irrigation water and the advancement of the agricultural reality in the country, and accordingly the researcher recommends the relevant authorities to achieve food security and security water sector by developing long-term strategies to confront climatic changes that have a direct impact on the problem of water scarcity in the country.

Factors Influencing Rural Farmers' Access to Agricultural Extension Services Provided by Private Organizations in Kibondo District, Tanzania

Agricultural extension plays a very important role in improving agricultural productivity in many countries, including Tanzania. Through agricultural extension services, farmers acquire useful information to minimize agricultural production challenges. Though farmers in many countries, including Tanzania, still rely on public extension services, the governments in many countries have started to open doors for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), farmer-based organizations, and private agribusiness firms to provide services to farmers. Regardless of their existence still access to extension services provided by private organizations has remained a main question. Studies have consistently pointed out that only a few farmers in rural areas get access to extension services provided by private organizations. Low access to extension services by rural farmers has contributed to low agricultural production in rural areas and has remained the main factor for persistent poverty. There are limited studies documenting the factors for low access to agricultural extension services provided by private organizations. This study aimed to determine factors influencing rural farmers’ access to agricultural extension services provided by private organizations in the Kibondo district. The study used a cross-sectional research design and data were collected by interviewing 120 farmers sampled from four villages. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model techniques. The study found that only 18.3% of farmers had access to extension services. Gender, marital status, education level, farmers’ income, and group membership had a positive and statistically significant association with access to extension services. The study concluded that only a small proportion of rural farmers in the study area had access to extension services. It is recommended that the provision of extension services by private organizations should consider the identified factors.

Crop Farmers’ Access to E-information for Climate Smart Agriculture Production, in Cross River State, Nigeria

The study ascertained crop farmers’ access to e-information for climate-smart agriculture production in Cross River State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 191 respondents were selected and data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Percentages, means and Spearman rho correlation were used to analyse the data. Results showed that the least used climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices were agroforestry (27.7%), water harvesting practices (25.1%), construction and use of irrigation facilities (14.1%) and land reclamation practices (16.2%). The majority (72.3%) of farmers got einformation on climate-smart agriculture from the radio, while 8.9% and 12.6% got it from internet websites and social media respectively. E-information that was less accessed by the farmers was information on zero tillage (x=2.33), and minimum tillage. There was a weak, positive monotonic relationship (ys= 0.029) between farmers’ use of climate-smart agriculture practices and access to e-information. Reliable and timely climate-smart agriculture information targeting tillage, cropping, and water harvesting and use should be developed by extension service providers, uploaded and broadcasted via traditional electronic media and other non-e-sources for easy access and use by farmers.

Farmer preference for macadamia varieties and constraints to production in Malawi.

Abstract Macadamia nuts constitute a vital component of both nutrition and livelihoods for smallholder producers in Malawi. We conducted a comprehensive mixed-methods study, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, to explore varietal preferences and production challenges among these farmers. Leveraging cross-sectional data from 144 members of the Highlands Macadamia Cooperative Union Limited, our study underscores several significant findings. Our findings reveal that the majority of smallholder macadamia farmers (62%) are aged over 50, with farming as their primary occupation. Varied preferences are driven by yield-related traits, including high yield potential (38%), nut quality (29%), and extended flowering patterns (15%). Among the macadamia varieties, the top five choices, grown by over half of the farmers, include HAES 660 (18%), 800 (10%), 791 (9%), 816 (8%), and 246 (7%). Additionally, our study identifies five primary constraints faced by smallholder macadamia farmers: insect pests (81%), diseases (34%), limited market access (33%), wind damage (25%), and inadequate agricultural advisory services (17%). Based on these findings, we propose two policy recommendations to enhance smallholder macadamia production and productivity in Malawi. Specifically, we advocate for informed breeding programs that align with farmer preferences to promote greater adoption of macadamia varieties. Additionally, we emphasize the crucial role of the Malawian government in the macadamia value chain, suggesting active participation in providing extension services and marketing support, akin to its support for other cash crops.