Factors affecting the design of a partnership program to facilitate adoption of agricultural practices among small-scale farmers, Mpongwe, Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of the study conducted from December 2001 through February 2002 was to collect data needed to facilitate the design of a partnership program involving Mpongwe Development Company (MDC) that would enable the adoption of sustainable, environmentally friendly agricultural practices by the small-scale farmers in Mpongwe District, Zambia. Eleven separate surveys were conducted to gather descriptive information from four groups: 210 small-scale farmers, traditional chiefs, government departments, and MDC. Substantial developmental work continues in Mpongwe. More than 50% of the small-scale farmers were aware of development organizations. The extension service and MDC both enjoyed relatively high awareness by farmers at 82.3% and 87.4%, respectively. The extent of the effectiveness of this work is still unknown because the scope of the study was only to identify areas of possible developmental collaboration. The recently constructed highway and the government Intermediate Means of Transport (IMT) program has opened the District to many development opportunities. To establish guidelines for the proposed collaborative program mission and goals, three key emerging areas were identified. They were finance, organization, and technical assistance. Only 21.4% of the small-scale farmers reported being in arrears. About 79.1% of participating farmer sales consisted of roadside sales with about two percent selling through cooperatives. Only 44% of small-scale farmers reported being members of co-operatives. The only crop reported by the small-scale farmers as being grown in areas greater than one hectare was maize (84.7%). More than 50% of the small-scale farmers surveyed expressed satisfaction with the services offered by the extension service. Information obtained from the extension service was reported by 51.6% of small-scale farmers. Traditional chiefs and radio were the second most frequent source of information. Recommendations were that (1) Government and non-government organizations should partner in agricultural development efforts, (2) The extension service must engage the private sector, and (3) The relevance of the extension service is evident, but a change of approach is necessary. Both the private sector and the extension service will benefit from suggested changes.