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Understanding Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers: Socioeconomic Insights from Central Malawi

Author

Listed:
  • Donald Nyamayevu

    (College of Agronomy, Hebei Agriculture University, 289 Lingyusi Street, Baoding 071051, China)

  • Isaiah Nyagumbo

    (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), 12.5 KM Peg, Mazowe Road, Mt. Pleasant, P.O. Box MP163, Harare 00263, Zimbabwe)

  • Mazvita Chiduwa

    (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Chitedze Research Station, Mchinji Road, Lilongwe P.O. Box 1096, Malawi)

  • Weili Liang

    (College of Agronomy, Hebei Agriculture University, 289 Lingyusi Street, Baoding 071051, China)

  • Ruiqi Li

    (College of Agronomy, Hebei Agriculture University, 289 Lingyusi Street, Baoding 071051, China)

Abstract

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), smallholder rain-fed systems are vital, yet they are challenged by land degradation, soil fertility decline, and climate risks. To address these challenges, crop diversification has been promoted as a potential pathway to enhance productivity, improve nutritional security, and offer a viable pathway out of poverty and hunger. This study explores crop diversification among 150 smallholder households in the Kasungu, Mchinji, and Lilongwe districts of Malawi, where the project Sustainable Intensification of Maize Legume Systems in East and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) has engaged the smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture (CA)-based sustainable intensification participatory research and development for seven years since 2010. This study used Simpson’s diversity index (SDI) to estimate crop diversification, and a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) to analyze how smallholder farmers’ socio-economic characteristics influence adoption. The findings show a prevalence of small farms of less than 1.5 hectares, with most farmers perceiving crop diversification as beneficial for soil fertility. Key adoption constraints include labor shortages and a lack of legume seeds. SIMLESA participants lead in crop rotations, with a 63% higher adoption rate, and show the highest crop diversity, with a 99% increase in farmers growing three crops and a 74% increase in those growing four crops compared to non-SIMLESA farmers. The SDI values were 0.39 for non-SIMLESA, 0.48 for SIMLESA neighbors, and 0.57 for SIMLESA participants. Access to NGO inputs, larger farm sizes, and participation in research programs were positively associated with diversification, while food insufficiency was negatively associated with its adoption. The study highlights the importance of integrating participatory research methods to promote development initiatives effectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Donald Nyamayevu & Isaiah Nyagumbo & Mazvita Chiduwa & Weili Liang & Ruiqi Li, 2024. "Understanding Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers: Socioeconomic Insights from Central Malawi," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-18, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:9078-:d:1502498
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ganesh Thapa & Anjani Kumar & Devesh Roy & P.K. Joshi, 2018. "Impact of Crop Diversification on Rural Poverty in Nepal," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 66(3), pages 379-413, September.
    2. Yigezu, Yigezu Atnafe & Mugera, Amin & El-Shater, Tamer & Aw-Hassan, Aden & Piggin, Colin & Haddad, Atef & Khalil, Yaseen & Loss, Stephen, 2018. "Enhancing adoption of agricultural technologies requiring high initial investment among smallholders," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 199-206.
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    6. Banchayehu Tessema Assefa & Jordan Chamberlin & Pytrik Reidsma & João Vasco Silva & Martin K. Ittersum, 2020. "Unravelling the variability and causes of smallholder maize yield gaps in Ethiopia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 12(1), pages 83-103, February.
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    1. Busisiwe Vilakazi & Alfred O. Odindo & Mutondwa M. Phophi & Paramu L. Mafongoya, 2025. "Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers in Bergville, South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-24, April.

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