Understanding impacts and barriers to adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in North-western Nigerian drylands

Jellason, N. P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5583-354X, Conway, J. S. and Baines, R. N. (2021) Understanding impacts and barriers to adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in North-western Nigerian drylands. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 27 (1). pp. 55-72. ISSN 1750-8622 doi: 10.1080/1389224X.2020.1793787

Abstract/Summary

Purpose: Empirical evidence suggests that climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices will promote resilience against climate change. We explored location-specific CSA practices and strategies for adoption in two communities (Zango and Kofa) in the North-Western Nigerian drylands. Design/methodology/approach: Mixed methods design was employed with thirty smallholders per community selected from a baseline study of 220 smallholders from the two study communities. Smallholders were engaged in a farmer participatory learning and action (PLA) on CSA adoption for resilience. Impacts of PLA were evaluated six months post-implementation and barriers for adoption explored. Findings: Pre- and post-PLA training indicated a change in confidence to adopt some CSA practices. Both communities showed greater confidence (p < .05) related to solving climate-related problems and the use of fertiliser. Communities differed in relation to other factors: Kofa exhibited improved confidence (71.4%) in solving water challenges while Zango showed greater confidence (76%) in relation to solving environmental problems. We found gender-responsive CSA promote women participation in farming. Practical implications: A deep understanding of the underlying reasoning behind non-adoption of CSA practices could support future climate resilience policies, and the lead-farmer extension model could reduce extension agent-farmer ratio. Theoretical implications: Identification of climate-smart agriculture practices and their adoption confirms the benefit of participatory learning for transformation, in this case, empowerment of smallholders, including women, to adapt to climate change in a wider sub-Saharan Africa context. Originality/value: This study explores PLA application in supporting the uptake of CSA practices for resilience and advancement of lead-farmer extension for reducing extension agent-farmer ratio.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/91857
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/1389224X.2020.1793787
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Agri-Food Economics & Marketing
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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