Conservation farming practices for sustainable rice production among small-scale rice farmers in Barotse floodplains in western Zambia

BcA. Makumba Kasonde, BA

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Conservation agriculture is gaining importance worldwide, especially in Zambia's Western Province. This approach to farming aims to increase productivity while reducing environmental harm by using conservation techniques such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, and animal integration. In the Western Province of Zambia, smallholder farmers face multiple challenges, including low crop yields, poor soil fertility, and erratic rainfall. Conservation agriculture can help alleviate these difficulties by improving food security, promoting sustainable land use, and supporting livelihoods. However, there are several constraints to adopting these practices, such as limited input availability, equipment expertise, and government support. This study explores conservation farming practices – focusing on the cultivation of local rice varieties in Zambia's Western Province. Data was collected through 6 focus group discussions involving 12 lead farmers and Ministry of Agriculture officials, and a household survey of 348 respondents. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. A binary logistic regression indicates that off-farm income, agriculture newspapers, and contact with agriculture increase the adoption of conservation agricultural practices. Therefore, efforts to advance conservation agriculture in Zambia's Western Province must consider these difficulties and give farmers the necessary tools and knowledge to apply sustainable methods effectively.

Keywords

Conservation agriculture, Sustainable, Climate resilience, Barriers, Livelihoods, Zambia

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 23. 5. 2023

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 30. 5. 2023
• Vedoucí: Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Lenka Suchá, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program:
International Development and Agricultural Economics