Climate-Smart Agricultural Technology Adoption and Intensity among Vegetable Farmers in Eswatini: Evidence from a Cragg Double Hurdle Model

Abstract

Problem and Objectives: Trends reveal that in Eswatini, there are low quantities of vegetables produced locally and statistics show more volumes of vegetable imports which constitute about 70% of local consumption as a result of local production failing to meet domestic demand. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting Climate Smart Agricultural Technology (CSAT) adoption and intensity among vegetable farmers in Eswatini. Methods: The study used a descriptive quantitative research design to determine the factors affecting the adoption and intensity of adoption of climate-smart agriculture technology among smallholder vegetable farmers. A total of 200 vegetable farmers were purposively sampled from a population of 946 vegetable farmers registered with The National Marketing Board (NAMBoard) and were part of the Market Oriented Climate-Smart Agriculture Project. The study used survey to collect primary data through the use of a questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Cragg Double Hurdle model. The dependent variables of the model were adoption of CSAT and intensity of CSAT adoption. Adoption of CSAT was measured as a binary variable (1= adopter, 0 = non-adopter) and intensity of adoption of CSAT was measured as a proportion of adopted CSATs given the available CSATs. Findings: The findings of the study indicate that significant factors affecting CSAT adoption decision include age, risk attitude, household size, off-income, and land quality. The results on factors affecting the intensity of CSAT adoption reveal that the adoption intensity is affected by age, access to inputs market, farm size, land quality and frequency of extension contact. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study examined the factors affecting adoption and intensity of adoption of CSAT among vegetable farmers. The findings indicate that CSAT adoption decision depend on access and awareness while CSAT adoption intensity is constrained by structural and institutional factor. The study recommends that more training be undertaken to sensitize farmers to adopt more CSAT and increase awareness of CSAT. It is recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) improve its extension services, capacitation of farmers through CSA workshop and diversify CSA interventions to other enterprises.