Adoption of Agricultural Technologies in Cotton Production

The Cuamba Protocol Adoption Study conducted by SAN-JFS examines the adoption of agricultural technologies among cotton farmers in the Niassa and Nampula provinces of Mozambique. The study evaluates the farming practices used, their effectiveness, and the motivations behind farmers’ choices, aiming to identify strategies for improving production and productivity. It provides insights into how farmers engage with training, extension services, and technological interventions in the 2023-2024 agricultural campaign.

Key Findings

The study reveals that cotton farming is the primary source of income for rural communities in Cuamba and Metarica, with over 27,000 registered cotton farmers. However, most farmers rely on traditional, low-input practices, which limit productivity. The research highlights low mechanization rates, limited access to certified seeds, and minimal use of soil conservation techniques, emphasizing the need for greater investment in farmer education and support services.

The adoption of improved farming techniques, such as row planting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management (IPM), varies significantly among farmers. While some producers implement best practices, many struggle with access to modern inputs, financial constraints, and labor shortages. The study found that the adoption of soil fertility management techniques, such as compost application and conservation agriculture, remains low, posing challenges to long-term soil productivity.

Furthermore, the study underscores the role of extension services and community-based learning in increasing technology uptake. Farmers who received technical training and financial incentives demonstrated higher adoption rates of improved agricultural methods. However, gender disparities persist, with female farmers having less access to extension services and credit facilities. Strengthening outreach to marginalized groups could further enhance the effectiveness of agricultural interventions.

The Cuamba Protocol Adoption Study highlights the critical role of targeted interventions in promoting sustainable cotton farming. While some progress has been made in introducing modern techniques, significant barriers remain in financial accessibility, knowledge transfer, and resource availability. Addressing these challenges through policy support, private-sector investment, and improved extension services is essential to achieving increased productivity and farmer resilience.

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RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Cuamba Protocol Study is linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.