Agricultural technology adoption for smallholder small grain farmers in Zimbabwe. Implications for food system transformation and sustainability

Abstract Food security is a perennial concern in natural regions IV and V of Zimbabwe, that receive low rainfall per annum. Improved small grain varieties and conservation agriculture practices provide a promise for bumper harvests in these dry regions. This study focused on four districts (Binga, Chiredzi, Hwange and Matobo) from these two regions to determine patterns for improved small grain varieties and conservation agriculture technology adoption by smallholder small grain farmers. Data were collected from 281 respondents using structured questionnaires and interviews. The statistical package Stata (version 16) was used to analyse data. Logit and multinomial models were used to compare non-adopters and adopters of technologies in order to show the rationale for adoption. Results indicated that 56% of the sample were non-adopters while 44% were adopters. Adoption patterns varied with location, education, land size, marital status, frequency of extension visits and access to credit. The study recommends increased funding to research institutions that develop high-yield small grain varieties. Comparative studies are recommended in other semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe to support the study findings in informing future policy.