An Approach for Enhancing the Adoption Rate of Pfumvudza Farming on Maize Production in Gwanda District

Abstract

This study assessed approaches to enhance the adoption rate of Pfumvudza farming among smallholder farmers in Gwanda district. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the adoption rate. The sample consisted of 538 smallholder communal farmers selected through stratified random sampling across all 24 wards in Gwanda district. Results showed 126 adopters and 412 non-adopters, giving an adoption rate of 23.42% and a non-adoption rate of 76.58%. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Multicollinearity was tested using the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), with results below 5 indicating its absence. A logit regression identified the number of plots and household size as factors determining adoption. Propensity Score Matching was used to assess the impact of Pfumvudza farming on household food security. The Average Treatment Effect results indicated that adopters achieved 48% higher food security than non-adopters. Additionally, adopters obtained 888 kg per hectare more maize yield than non-adopters. Capacity building, training, and government support were identified as key strategies to enhance adoption. The study recommends the adoption of Pfumvudza farming by smallholder farmers.