Determinants of Modified Organic Fertilisers Adoption by Small Scale Cotton Farmers in Mutoko District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

With the growing concern with regards to alleviating poverty in Africa, improving access to multiple and reliable production innovations for small scale farmers along the cotton value chain is one of the key elements to ensuring efficiency in agribusiness. This study sought to identify determinants of modified organic fertilisers’ adoption by small scale cotton producers in Mutoko district of Zimbabwe. A sample of 290 farmers was selected using a stratified random sampling strategy from dominant cotton producing wards. Cross sectional data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire as the main data collection tool. It was supported by Key Informant Interviews during the study 2018/19 season. Mainly, primary data were used and augmented with secondary data from different stakeholders such as buyers, agro-dealers, extension agents and cotton contractors. The researcher used a combination of descriptive and quantitative techniques to analyse the data. Descriptive analyses involved the use of means, tables and percentage representations. Stakeholder perceptions were also captured using thematic analysis. The quantitative analyses involved the use of binary logit regression, gross margins, ratios and counterfactual analysis. The use of modified organic fertilisers was low, accounting for 22 % of the sampled farmers in the study area. Farmers mainly used no fertilisers at all or inorganic fertilisers supplied by contractors and the government through subsidies. The data shows that the age of household head, association to membership groups, number of sellers available in the markets and the prices of commodities such as organic fertilisers and cotton significantly affects the modified organic fertilisers’ adoption decision. Farmers who adopted modified organic fertilisers had significantly higher food diversity and significantly lower food insecurity. Results from the study also show that small scale cotton farmers’ access to input and output markets was constrained by lack of effective information dissemination mechanisms. This shows the weak coordination among stakeholders along the cotton value chain. Stakeholders perceived modified organic fertilisers as a gateway out of low productivity in small scale cotton producing areas. Farmers suggested the need to strengthen their access to modified organic fertiliser markets through decentralising selling points. The stakeholders also suggested establishment of information centres in their localities so as to harness from beneficial market information, which will in turn have a significant impact in cotton productivity and overall household welfare. The study postulates that benefits to farmers can be enhanced if stakeholder coordination and networking is encouraged through establishing a platform for continuous interaction. This could enhance the decision to use modified organic fertilisers in cotton production and increase the net value to be generated from the commodity in each marketing channel.