Adoption and Impact of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices Among Vegetable Farmers in Maseru District, Lesotho

Stephen Oluseun Adeogun; Olaoluwa Ayodeji Adebayo; Moruf Abiola Akintunde; Puseletso Likoetla; Reabetsoe Letela; Anna Sethabathaba; Monts’I Philip Morie; Nomaqekha Grace Shea

doi:10.2478/vjbsd-2025-0003

Abstract

This study evaluated the adoption and impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) mitigation practices among vegetable farmers in Maseru District, Lesotho. The research aimed to assess the extent of CSA practice implementation, identify barriers hindering their uptake, and examine their influence on farmers’ income. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting quantitative data from 180 vegetable farmers selected through multistage and snowball sampling methods. A set of structured questionnaires were used to gather information on socioeconomic characteristics, CSA practices, and adoption barriers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results revealed that small-scale irrigation (89.82%) and organic manure application (89.22%) were the most commonly adopted practices, while adoption of greenhouses (4.79%) and keyhole gardens (28.14%) remained low. Lack of knowledge and financial constraints were identified as major barriers to CSA adoption. Regression analysis indicated that small-scale irrigation had a significant positive effect on farmers’ monthly income (β = 1.40; p <0.05), while organic manure application had a significant negative impact (β = -1.02; p <0.05). The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to address knowledge gaps, improve access to financial resources, and enhance technical capacity among vegetable farmers in the region.

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Adoption and Impact of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices Among Vegetable Farmers in Maseru District, Lesotho

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