Research Article
Effect of Climate-smart Agricultural Practices on Productivity and Income of Smallholder Maize Farmers: Micro-level Evidence from Botswana
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
46-57
Received:
3 March 2025
Accepted:
19 March 2025
Published:
31 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20251002.11
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Abstract: Climate change presents considerable obstacles to agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa., resulting in low yields and reduced farmers’ income. Climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices offer a viable pathway to address these challenges through their triple benefits: enhanced productivity, increased income, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines the effect of adopting four interdependent CSA practices (crop rotation, use of improved seeds, application of inorganic fertilizers, and maize-legume diversification) and their combinations on productivity and income. Using recent cross-sectional data from 384 maize farmers in North East District, Botswana, the study utilizes a multinomial endogenous switching regression model to correct for selection bias and endogeneity caused by both observable and unobservable factors. The results show that adoption decisions are shaped by variables such as education, farm size, farming experience, livestock ownership, membership in groups, access to extension services, market access, and land tenure systems. Notably, adopting all four CSA practices results in a productivity increase of 3.56 units and a significant income gain of 3,691.17 Botswana Pula. These results suggest that farmers experience the greatest improvements in productivity and income when they adopt a comprehensive set of CSA practices. Building on the findings, the paper recommends that both government and non-governmental organizations promote the adoption of these practices by offering innovative extension services. These services would help farmers gain a better understanding of the advantages of alternative climate-smart agricultural practices.
Abstract: Climate change presents considerable obstacles to agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa., resulting in low yields and reduced farmers’ income. Climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices offer a viable pathway to address these challenges through their triple benefits: enhanced productivity, increased income, and reduction of greenhouse gas...
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,
Hillary Kiplangat Bett
