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Factors affecting adoption and intensity of conservation agriculture techniques applied by smallholders in Masvingo district, Zimbabwe

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  • Kunzekweguta, Machiweyi
  • Rich, Karl M.
  • Lyne, Michael C.

Abstract

This study investigates factors influencing both the use of conservation agriculture (CA) and the intensity of its uptake amongst 237 smallholders sampled in the Masvingo district of Zimbabwe. The intensity of uptake was measured using an index that accounted for the number of CA components used, their relative importance, and the rate and extent of their application. Previous studies ignore some or all of these important aspects of uptake. The determinants of use and intensity were identified using a double hurdle model. Although most smallholders applied the reduced tillage or crop rotation components of CA, few combined these practices with mulching. Farm size and experience with CA technology impacted positively on the current use of CA, while distance from town (market) and ownership of an ox-drawn plough reduced the intensity of its uptake. Sensitivity analysis showed that these results change when partial measures of CA uptake are used, emphasising the importance of establishing a comprehensive measure of intensity. Policy implications include a need for institutional change to improve smallholder access to cropland, more participatory approaches to agricultural extension, and more convenient access to farm inputs.

Suggested Citation

  • Kunzekweguta, Machiweyi & Rich, Karl M. & Lyne, Michael C., 2017. "Factors affecting adoption and intensity of conservation agriculture techniques applied by smallholders in Masvingo district, Zimbabwe," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 56(4), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:347689
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.347689
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    1. Baiyegunhi, L.J.S. & Hassan, M.B. & Danso-Abbeam, G. & Ortmann, G.F., 2019. "Diffusion and adoption of Integrated Striga Management (ISM) technologies among smallholder maize farmers in rural northern Nigeria," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 109-115.
    2. Pavitra Dhamija, 2020. "Economic Development and South Africa: 25 Years Analysis (1994 to 2019)," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 88(3), pages 298-322, September.
    3. Masere, Tirivashe Philip & Worth,Steve Hugh, 2022. "Factors influencing adoption, innovation of new technology and decision-making by small-scale resource-constrained farmers: The perspective of farmers in lower Gweru, Zimbabwe," African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), vol. 22(03).
    4. Jonathan Thobane & Jorine Ndoro & Solly Molepo & Batizi Serote & Samkelisiwe Hlophe-Ginindza & Sylvester Mpandeli & Luxon Nhamo & Salmina Mokgehle, 2025. "A Review on the Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Southern Africa: Focus on Smallholder Farmers," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-19, October.
    5. Sakketa, Tekalign Gutu & Herrmann, Raoul & Nkonde, Chewe & Lukonde, Mwelwa & Brüntrup, Michael, 2022. "The effects of a private-sector-driven smallholder support programme on productivity, market participation and food and nutrition security: Evidence of a nucleus-outgrower scheme from Zambia," IDOS Discussion Papers 19/2022, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    6. Prince B. Annor & Simeon Kaitibie & Michael C. Lyne, 2023. "Heterogeneous impacts of GlobalGAP adoption on net income in small‐scale pineapple farming in Ghana: Does farm size matter?," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 39(4), pages 1199-1216, October.
    7. Sankhulani, Linda, 2021. "Impact evaluation of conservation agriculture on smallholder farmers’ livelihood in Zambia and Tanzania," Research Theses 334762, Collaborative Masters Program in Agricultural and Applied Economics.
    8. Yang Guo & Meiling Cui & Zhigang Xu, 2023. "Spatial Characteristics of Transfer Plots and Conservation Tillage Technology Adoption: Evidence from a Survey of Four Provinces in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-15, August.
    9. Batsirai Mazviona & Simon Sølvsten & Rana Imroze Palwishah, 2025. "Intensity of crop and livestock insurance adoption: lessons from Mexico," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 30(8), pages 1-39, December.
    10. Ally Sithole & Oluwasogo David Olorunfemi, 2024. "Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Adoption Trends, Impacts, and Challenges Among Smallholder Farmers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-22, November.
    11. Awiti, Hezbon Akelo & Gido, Eric Obedy & Obare, Gideon Aiko, 2022. "Crop mix portfolio response to climate risks: evidence from smallholder farmers in Kisumu County, Kenya," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 61(2), February.

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