Evaluating smallholder farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards cassava production in South Africa

Maize is an important crop for South African starch industry. The application of starch in the country gradually increases while maize production declines. Therefore, South Africa needs to invest in indigenous starch crops research that contributes to climate-smart and resilient food systems. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the key starch crops considered as climate smart crop in Africa. This study determines factors influencing smallholder farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards cassava production. The results of the multinomial logistic regression revealed that membership to organisation, age, gender, marital status, experience and level of education in cassava production influenced farmers’ KAP. Moreover, a male farmer is more likely to have high-level knowledge, positive attitude and high-level practice. Majority (57%) of farmers affiliated with an organization are more likely to have positive attitude and high-level practice. The study found that if a farmer’s experience changes by a year, a farmer is more likely to have positive attitude and high-level practice towards cassava production. The study recommends that cassava knowledge distribution should accommodate female farmers. Cassava interventions should be through organisations in order to reach larger audience. The interventions could be cassava workshops, training and field demonstrations. Farmers should be trained on pests and disease management to improve current practice. This also provides an opportunity to establish a cassava value chain and link cassava producers with customers, processors and wholesalers.