Abstract:
The agricultural sector in Quthing district is vital for local employment and food security, particularly through smallholder vegetable farming. However, climate change poses challenges such as prolonged droughts, altered rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures, which threaten farmers' livelihoods. These conditions not only reduce crop yields but also exacerbate weed growth, pests, and diseases. In response, Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSAT) have been introduced to improve agricultural productivity. Despite their potential benefits, the adoption of CSAT remains low influenced by various factors shaping farmers' decisions. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing CSAT adoption among vegetable farmers in rural areas of Quthing district. The specific objectives included evaluating farmers’ understanding and awareness of CSAT, identifying adoption patterns, evaluating interventions and support systems towards CSAT adoption, and determining factors influencing CSAT adoption.
A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 farmers, from whom data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis utilised descriptive statistics and probit regression model using statistical software (Stata 13). The descriptive statistics revealed that majority of farmers were aware of CSAT benefits: sustaining soil fertility (81%), increasing productivity (92%), reducing pollution (61%) and resource management (90%). Furthermore, the findings revealed varying levels of adoption among farmers: hybrid seed (90%), adjusting planting dates (75%), rainwater harvesting (53%) while agrochemicals is 46%, organic fertilizer (30%), protected farming (28%), irrigation technology (10%) and underground water harvesting (5%). The probit regression model highlights significant factors influencing CSAT adoption among farmers. These factors include farming income (ß= -0.915, P = 0.024), household size (ß=-0.0876, P=0.04), education level (ß= 0.472, P=0.032) farming experience (ß=0.501, P=0.014), access to extension (ß=0.752, P=0.038), membership to associations (ß=0.936, P=0.001) and climate information service (ß=0.936, P=0.064).
Based on these findings, the study concluded that while farmers exhibit awareness and understand of CSAT, adoption rate is hindered significantly by socio-economic, demographic, and institutional factors. To address these constraints, it is recommended that government and financial institutions should develop programs aimed at reducing financial barriers for low-income farmers. Government should invest in rural infrastructure to promote farmers access to services. Priority should be given to enhancing extension services and promoting farmer associations to enhance adoption of CSAT and other innovative technologies.
