FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF LONG STAPLE COTTON VARIETY AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN ZIMBABWE
Edward Mutandwa, Christopher T. Gadzirayi and Farirai Zingwe
Abstract:
The changing requirements of the international cotton market have created
the need for continual investment in new technological innovations in
developing countries. The main objective of this research was to identify
factors that affect the adoption of Long Staple (LS9219) variety among
smallholder cotton farmers in Matepatepa communal area of Mashonaland
Central province of Zimbabwe. A total of 75 farmers were selected using
stratified sampling and a structured questionnaire administered at the farm
level. A binary logistic regression model was used to investigate adoption
of the LS9219 variety.
Results
of the survey showed that the economic returns per hectare for the
traditional (SZ9314) and LS9219 were not statistically different at the 5%
level. Most farmers were aware of the new cotton variety. Agricultural
credit was found to have a positive and significant effect on adoption. On
the other hand, large farm size was negatively associated with adoption of
LS9219 variety. These
findings point to the need for a holistic approach in which agricultural
credit and sufficient price premiums for long staple varieties are central
for long-term sustainability.