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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• conservation agriculture
• smallholders
• adoption
• intensity of use
• double hurdle model

JEL CLASSIFICATION:

• C34
• O33
• Q12
• Q16

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the New Zealand Aid Programme, and the time given so generously by the rural households that provided data for this study. We remain solely responsible for errors.

Notes

1 The research presented in this article was reported in a thesis submitted by the first author in partial fulfilment of the Master of Commerce (Agricultural) degree at Lincoln University, and supervised by the co-authors.

2 Adult equivalent = Number of adults + 0.5 (number of children (<12) + number of pensioners (>65)).