ADOPTION OF SOIL MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MALAWI

Abstract

Due to growing concerns about the severity of land degradation in Malawi, the government has launched campaigns on soil and water conservation. This study determines a range of soil management technologies adopted by farmers and the incidence and determinants of adoption. The results indicated that the range of technologies adopted by individual households was low. However, the incidence of technology adoption was moderately high. Positive and significant determinants of technology adoption were the sex of the household head, being widowed, and extra hours needed to apply a given technology. Residing at the husband’s village was significant, but negatively, affecting adoption. The results suggest that to further increase the incidence of technology adoption, the government’s intensive campaigns on soil and water conservation should continue. Additionally, land resources management policies should emphasize on increasing land tenure security, especially in the patrilineal system. We also suggest transparent harmonization and joint implementation of agricultural and population policies.