Factors influencing the adoption of conservation agriculture by smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The various efforts done to promote conservation agriculture (CA) in the Sub-Saharan Africa and the Republic of South Africa have diminished over time. This study was carried out to determine the factors that influenced the adoption of CA in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality of Uthukela District Municipality in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa. It used a dataset collected through a structured questionnaire from 273 smallholder farmers. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the households, whereas descriptive statistics (such as frequency count and percentages) and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors that influenced the adoption of CA. The results revealed that the respondents' age, access to credit, visits by extension agents, and training showed a significant influence on the adoption of CA practices by farmers. The results emphasized the important role of extension agents and of more female farmers in the promotion of CA practices. The study recommended intentional and direct effort by all stakeholders in promoting and encouraging farmers' participation at all age levels, and to make the CA programmes flexible to accommodate the illiterate farming households. The study further recommended additional extension agents to adequately guide and train farmers on CA through all-inclusive extension services.