Climate variability and adoption of climate smart agriculture in Zimbabwe

Dipl.-Kfm./Univ. Beaula Fadzayi Chipoyera, Dipl. Kfm.

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Climate projection points to consistent and long-term increases in mean monthly temperatures in Zimbabwe. These projected increases in temperature combined with concurrently reduced rainfall during farming seasons are widely viewed to increase the risks of crop failure and thereby threaten food security, particularly for smallholder farmers who mostly rely on rainfed cropping systems. Climate-smart agriculture practices offer alternative strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture and hence, safeguard sustainable agricultural production and food security. However, little is understood regarding the decision-making processes of Zimbabwean smallholder farmers when considering Climate-Smart Agricultural practices for adoption. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adoption of climate-smart agriculture by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. A survey of 112 farmers from Agro-ecological regions II and III was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The results from the Chi-square tests reveal significant differences in the adoption of crop rotation and reduced tillage between male and female farmers. Descriptive results on the reasons for adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture practices indicate soil protection accounting for 63.4%, increased crop yields 34.8%, and climate variability 25.9%. On the other hand, extensional services, radios, and phones are the prominent information sources with 67%, 51%, and 44%, respectively. Availability of information and knowledge about Climate-Smart Agriculture practices tailored towards farmers’ preferential needs can influence and/or increase the rate of Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption in Zimbabwe.

Keywords

Adaptation, Adoption, Gender, Climate-smart, Smallholder, Variability

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 4. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: William Nkomoki

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme / field:
Tropical Agriculture / International Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Development