Factors affecting adoption of compost manure among farmers in Bolero, Rumphi district, Malawi

Abstract

Low adoption of soil fertility improvement technologies in Malawi and other countries in Sub Saharan Africa is a major concern in the attainment of sustainable food security in the region. This paper examines factors causing low adoption of compost manure in Malawi, with Bolero community as a case study. The study interviewed 120 farmers and conducted three focus group discussions. Chi square test was used in the study to establish the effect of different factors on compost manure adoption decision by farmers. The study found out that farmers’ perception about compost manure (it is too labour demanding, less effective, and for the poor) is unfavourable for its adoption. Compost manure adoption is affected by farmer characteristics (age, education, and gender), household characteristics (labour availability and income source), farm enterprise (maize farming, tobacco farming, and livestock farming), and, access to inorganic fertilizers. Contrary to other studies, an increase in education level, and increase in household labour availability does not increase adoption among farmers. Furthermore, socio-cultural factors play an important role in compost manure adoption in Bolero, as they influence the adoption factors a fore mentioned. Socio-cultural practices manifested through gender relations, household power relations, and agricultural practices dictate labour availability, enterprise selection, and access to inorganic fertilizers, among others. The study recommends integration of indigenous knowledge and experiences with scientific knowledge, increased farmers’ awareness about other advantages of compost manure, innovations to reduce labour demands in compost manure utilization, and use of group labour in the promotion of compost manure in Malawi.