Adoption drivers of improved Open-Pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
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Date
2021-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
This study assesses the determinants of adoption drivers of improved open-pollinated
(OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Cross-
sectional data of multi-stage random sampling was used to randomly select 150 smallholder farmers
in the province. Data collection was conducted through a well-structured questionnaire administered
to 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used for the
analyses. The inferential results reveal that the majority of farmers in the study area were females
(70%) with an average age of 45 years and had six people in the households. Smallholder maize
farmers spent an average of 10 years in school. The results show that smallholder maize farmers had
a farm size of 3 ha and a household income of R 3565.00, which contributes highly to household and
farm operations. Farmers had access to extension services and were members of farm organizations.
The results show that hybrid is the most used maize variety rather than OPVs. The main reason,
among other things, for the poor use and adoption of OPVs is the lack of knowledge about the
seeds. The results drawn from the estimations show that socio-economic and institutional factors
influenced the adoption of OPVs by farmers in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends
strengthening the existing extension services to highlight the benefits of OPVs through training and
farmers’ information days.
Description
Keywords
Eastern Cape Province, Adoption, Open-pollinated variety (OPVs), Smallholder farmers, Smallholder farmers
Citation
Sigigaba, M.; Mdoda, L.; Mditshwa, A. Adoption Drivers of Improved Open-Pollinated (OPVs) Maize Varieties by Smallholder Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.