Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions of Biochar: A Case Study for Okhahlamba Local Municipality

Résumé

Globally, biochar technology has gained recognition as a key tool in mitigating climate change and achieving food security. When farmers understand the benefits of biochar, they can adopt the technology and reap its potential benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to assess farmers' perceptions of biochar, including its production, agronomic benefits, climate change mitigation effects, and access to information using primary data from 265 smallholder farmers in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality. Principal component analysis and multiple regression models were employed to analyse the data. The study found that age, farm size, livestock size, access to extension services, number of schooling years, household size, principal occupation, cooperative membership, awareness of biochar, knowledge of biochar, and training were statistically significant determinants of perceptions of biochar technology. The study recommends the development of clear and accessible communication channels between researchers and farmers to convey the benefits of biochar technology. Cooperatives can play a vital role in bridging the gap in access to biochar information. Education and outreach programs can educate farmers about the production, usage, and potential positive effects of biochar technology. Further evidence of the benefits of the technology can contribute to the integration of biochar into agricultural, environmental, and sustainability policies and strategies, which can lead to production and food security among small-scale farmers.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0