Examining the Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics on the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture Among Smallholder Farmers in Hazyview, Mpumalanga

This study examines the relationship between Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices and the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers in Hazyview, focusing on perceived benefits and drivers of adoption. A simple random sample of 221 farmers was selected using probability sampling methods. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. A binary logistic regression model identified age, education level, and extension visits as significant predictors of CA adoption (p < 0.01). Training on CA was also significant (p < 0.05), underscoring the importance of knowledge acquisition. Specifically, older farmers (OR ≈ 23.24), those with higher education (OR ≈ 34.08), those with frequent extension visits (OR ≈ 24.03), and those with CA training (OR ≈ 7.76) were more likely to adopt CA. Farmers perceived CA as beneficial for controlling soil erosion (MS = 4.03), increasing production (MS = 4.01), reducing costs and labour (MS = 3.77), mitigating soil degradation (MS = 3.62), and improving soil fertility (MS = 3.49). It is recommended that training programs be developed by gender, age, and education level. Agricultural extension services, in collaboration with local NGOs and policymakers, should design and deliver these programs through farmer field schools, community workshops, and digital platforms to enhance accessibility. Furthermore, policymakers should integrate CA training into national agricultural development strategies.