Farmer perceptions and factors influencing the adoption of no-till conservation agriculture by small-scale farmers in Zashuke, KwaZulu-Natal Province

Abstract

The adoption of conservation agriculture among small-scale farmers is still low despite the proven economic and environmental benefits of the technology. This study was conducted in Ingwe Municipality in Kwa-Zashuke, Ward 8, in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The main aim of the study was to determine the factors which influenced the adoption of no-till conservation agriculture (CA) in the study areas and to explore farmers’ perceptions of no-till CA and its impact on maize yield. A quantitative approach, employing a cross-sectional design was used to gather data. Stratified random sampling was employed, and a total of 185 small-scale farmers (97 adopters and 88 non-adopters) were sampled. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics and econometric modelling using the Logistic Regression Model. Findings showed that farmer perceptions were positively correlated with higher maize yields. While extension visits, age, education and farmer perceptions significantly increased the likelihood of a farmer adopting no-till CA, land size was negatively related to no-till CA adoption. The study concluded that the acceptance of the technology in African communities as a new way of farming is critical for its sustainability. The findings confirm the important role of extension in the promotion of new agricultural technologies, particularly the intensity of extension services. Positive psychological capital among farmers is critical to the success of any new technologies. Access to credit or adequate financial resources is also a key factor in the adoption of CA technologies such as no-till. The study recommends a deliberate effort by all stakeholders to promote the participation of young people in farming and tailor-make current no-till CA programmes to suit the elderly and burdened households. The capacity of extension programmes to adequately support farmers should be enhanced through improvement in extension to farmer ratios. There is also need to change people’s mindsets and the way they view no-till CA. Such can be achieved through training and carefully packaged information. Information dissemination channels should be able to reach marginalized and resource poor farmers in the rural communities.