The increasing vulnerability of smallholder maize farmers to climate variability underscores the urgent need for sustainable farming approaches that build resilience while sustaining productivity. This study examines the extent to which regenerative agriculture (RA) enhances the livelihood outcomes of smallholder maize farmers in Ghana’s semi-arid zone. A concurrent mixed methods design was used. The results revealed that majority of the farmers (59.7%) were aware of regenerative agriculture. Majority (93%) answered correctly that crop rotation helps to reduce soil nutrient depletion and control pests in maize farming. The most adopted regenerative agricultural practice among maize farmers was contour farming and terracing (Mean = 4.10). Adoption was significantly influenced by farm size and access to land at 5%. Engagement in regenerative practices had a statistically significant relationship with maize yield and household income, indicating a positive contribution to farmers’ livelihood security. The paired t-test shows significant increases in both income and yield after the intervention (p < 0.001). The study recommends key actions such as improving access to regenerative inputs, providing targeted financial support such as credit and subsidies, and strengthening farmer-based extension and peer learning networks to enhance knowledge diffusion.
Declining soil fertility, land degradation, climate variability, and low maize productivity continue to threaten the sustainability of smallholder maize production and household food security in Ghana. Regenerative agricultural practices (RAPs) have the potential to address these challenges, yet evidence on their adoption remains limited. This study assessed the level of RAP adoption among maize farmers in the Offinso North Municipality of Ghana and identified the factors influencing adoption. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Primary data were collected from 385 maize farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique using a questionnaire-based survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney
U
-test, Pearson correlation, point-biserial correlation, and ordinal logistic regression. The results showed that over 70% of the farmers had not reached a high level of adoption of RAPs. Farmers with access to extension services adopted significantly more RAPs than those without access (
U
= 6,727;
p
< 0.001). Household size, age, sex, farming experience, labor source, land tenure, maize specialization, and access to extension services significantly influenced the adoption of RAPs. Policy interventions need to focus on improving extension systems, tenure security and labor constraints to promote adoption. These support SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The study contributes to the literature by advancing an adoption-intensity perspective from a developing country.
F. Ankuyi, Rebecca Ansah, Nathaniel Fobi et al.· Frontiers in Sustainable Foo...· 0 citations
Maize contributes to food security and household income in Uganda, yet the uptake of improved agronomic practices remains uneven. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and use of improved maize production practices in Kiryandongo District and examined factors associated with inorganic fertiliser application. A comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 180 maize farmers, comprising 90 adopters and 90 non-adopters. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression with marginal effects. Farmers reported high knowledge of early planting and harvesting (98.8%), pest control (95.1%), crop scouting (100%), and timely weeding. However, the implementation of several practices was limited among non-adopters, including tractor use (5%), purchase of inputs from licensed stockists (2%), recommended spacing (4%), organic manure application (3%), seed purchase (2%), and selection of the type of seed purchased (1%). Fertiliser application among non-adopters was 40%. Education was positively associated with fertiliser use (p = 0.017; marginal effect = 0.063), whereas gender, distance to the nearest trading centre, income, farmer-group membership, and maize-production experience were not statistically significant. The findings indicate a gap between farmers’ knowledge and their implementation of recommended practices. Strengthened practical extension, demonstration-based training, adult education, farmer organisation, and improved access to affordable inputs and credit may support more consistent uptake.
S. Lwasa, Mercy Namuli· Journal of Scientific Resear...· 0 citations
Soil erosion continues to undermine the agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in the Ethiopian highlands, yet the determinants of sustained adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices remain insufficiently understood. This study analyzed the intensity and determinants of farmers’ adoption of SWC practices in the Golina watershed of Northeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey of 364 households was conducted using a three-stage sampling technique, complemented by field observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and a Poisson regression model were employed to examine factors influencing the number of SWC practices adopted per household. The results show that 99.2% of farmers had previously participated in SWC activities, while 66.8% were currently maintaining at least one SWC practice. Contour farming (100% in Woleh; 95.7% in Wofela) and soil bunds (90.4% in Wondie Ashewa) were the most widely adopted measures. The regression analysis indicated that farming experience, total income, membership in local organizations, land slope, knowledge of SWC, and positive perception of SWC benefits significantly increased adoption intensity, while greater land distance and better land quality reduced it. Overall, adoption intensity is strongly shaped by socioeconomic conditions, institutional engagement, land characteristics, and farmers’ perceptions. The findings highlight the need to strengthen knowledge dissemination, enhance community-based institutions, and promote context-specific interventions to improve the sustainability and intensity of SWC adoption for sustainable land management and rural livelihood improvement.
With the increasing recognition of climate change threats to agricultural productivity and food security, it is crucial to explore farming practices that increase productivity, adapt to the effects of global climate change, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the factors that influence the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices among smallholder farmers in semi-arid Ghana, specifically, the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana. The study surveyed 400 smallholder farmers from eleven (11) Communities and employed stratified random sampling, and a logistic regression model for data analysis. The results revealed that knowledge of CSA benefits or motivation factors such as improved crop yields (OR=10.356; p < 0. 001), reduced input cost (OR=4.855; p < 0.05), influenced the decision of smallholder farmers to adopt CSA practices. Also, availability of support systems such as access to agricultural extension services (OR=10.358; p < 0.001) and CSA training (OR=4.374; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with the adoption of CSA practices. The findings also shows that demographic factors shape the adoption of CSA practices. Farmers within the ages of 26–45 were less likely to adopt CSA practices (OR = 0.050; p < 0. 05), while farmers with formal education were more likely to adopt CSA practices (OR = 9.262; p < 0.001) after controlling for support system variables. Based on the findings, improved crop yields, resilience, reduced input, support from Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs), financial support, training, and government policies are factors that influence CSA adoption among smallholder farmers in the study area. The study calls for policymakers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance financial support systems and extension services to farmers, as well as provide more training on CSA. Government policies should also be focused on education and sensitization to upscale the adoption of CSA practices for its maximum benefits.
Juliana Toboyee, Mildred Naamwintome Molle, K. Peprah et al.· PLoS ONE· 0 citations
Hybrid seeds are widely promoted to enhance agricultural productivity, yet their rapid diffusion has raised concerns about the erosion of traditional seed diversity and longterm agro-biodiversity in smallholder farming systems. This study examined hybrid seed adoption, farmer motivations, institutional support, and perceived implications for traditional seed use in northwestern Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through a structured survey of 100 farmers across five districts through a structured survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis.Results indicate that 63–64% of farmers adopted hybrid seeds mainly for higher yield and increase income, rice was the most preferred hybrid crop (28.74%), followed by maize (9.58%), okra (7.78%), and potato (7.18%). Hybrid cultivation was associated with higher input intensity, as 42% of farmers applied increased levels of irrigation and fertilizers, while 59% reported severe pest and disease problems. Institutional support was limited, with 78% of respondents receiving no formal training on hybrid seed cultivation and only 8% accessing advice from agricultural extension services. In contrast, 48% of farmers considered traditional varieties more climate-resilient, compared to 27% for hybrids, reflecting their adaptability, lower input requirements, and cultural food preferences. The findings reveal a clear productivity–resilience trade-off, where hybrid seeds offer short-term yield advantages while traditional varieties contribute to agro-biodiversity conservation and climate adaptability. The results suggest the coexistence of dual seed systems shaped by economic incentives and institutional constraints. Future research should employ broader studies and evaluate biodiversity and policy interventions to better understand long term sustainability outcomes.
Unknown authors· Journal of Agricultural Exte...· 0 citations
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a critical approach for enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening resilience to climate change, and reducing environmental degradation. However, the adoption of CSA practices among women smallholder farmers remains uneven, particularly in semi-arid regions like Baringo South Sub-County where financial constraints limit access to agricultural innovations. This study examines how the level of income influences the adoption of climate-smart agriculture among women smallholder farmers in Baringo South Sub-County, Kenya. The study seeks to determine the relationship between household income levels and the uptake of CSA practices such as water conservation, agroforestry, drought-tolerant crop varieties, conservation agriculture, and improved livestock management. The research design used was correlation research design whereby a study sample size of 128 women participants was selected using a simple random sampling procedure.15 Key informants were also interviewed totaling to 143 respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. The study was guided by the premise that income affected farmers' ability to access resources, agricultural inputs, information, and technologies necessary for implementing climate-smart practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically correlation and regression analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study results indicated that income shows a positive, moderate effect on women’s participation (R=0.355, R²=0.126). This indicated that income frequently constrains women’s ability to purchase CSA inputs, reinforcing existing evidence that upfront costs remain a major barrier to adoption. Higher-income women farmers are more likely to adopt CSA technologies due to greater financial capacity, while lower-income farmers face significant barriers to adoption. The study will contribute to understanding the socioeconomic factors influencing climate adaptation in agriculture and provide recommendations for policymakers, development partners, and agricultural extension services on strategies to enhance CSA adoption among women farmers. Ultimately, the research aims to support sustainable agricultural development, improved livelihoods, and climate resilience in Baringo South Sub-County.
Caroline Yator, Lillian Chesikaw, C. Wambu· Journal of the Kenya Nationa...· 0 citations
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