A Framework for Assessing Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Climate-Resilient Crops

Thesis Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of climate variability threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by disrupting traditional cropping systems and reducing agricultural productivity, thereby necessitating the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties as an adaptive strategy. This study aims to develop and empirically validate a comprehensive framework for assessing the determinants and adoption patterns of climate-resilient crops among smallholder farmers in temperate agricultural regions. The specific objectives include identifying key factors influencing adoption, examining the roles of socio-economic, institutional, and contextual variables, and proposing a theoretical model that integrates behavioral, institutional, and environmental dimensions to explain adoption decisions. A descriptive and explanatory research design was employed within a positivist paradigm to facilitate quantitative data collection and analysis. The target population comprises smallholder farmers across sixteen farming communities, totaling approximately 3,200 farmers. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 400 farmers, ensuring representation across varying socio-economic statuses, farm sizes, and levels of access to extension services. Data were collected through structured questionnaires complemented by focus group discussions to gain contextual insights. The research instruments were pre-tested for validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.75. Data analysis involved the application of multiple regression analysis to identify the socio-economic and institutional factors significantly associated with adoption levels. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed conceptual framework and examine causal relationships among latent variables, such as perceived benefits, institutional support, environmental awareness, and behavioral intention. Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data to supplement quantitative findings, providing deeper insights into farmers’ perceptions and contextual constraints. Expected findings suggest that variables such as access to credit, extension services, climate information, and perception of crop benefits are positively correlated with adoption rates of climate-resilient crops. Conversely, constraints such as limited access to markets, risk perceptions, and traditional farming practices act as barriers. The SEM results are anticipated to confirm the integrated influence of socio-economic, institutional, and environmental factors within the proposed framework. These empirical insights will enable the development of a model that accurately predicts adoption behavior, guiding policymakers and agricultural development programs in designing targeted interventions. This research contributes to existing knowledge by integrating behavioral theories such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Institutional Theory to form an interdisciplinary model that captures the complexity of adoption decisions in smallholder contexts. It fills the gap in empirical evidence on the interplay of socio-economic, institutional, and environmental factors, providing a comprehensive tool for assessment and policy formulation. The framework offers a structured approach to identifying leverage points for increasing adoption rates among smallholder farmers, especially in the face of climate change. The study concludes that enhancing institutional support, improving climate information dissemination, and fostering positive perceptions about climate-resilient crops are critical to increasing adoption. It recommends strengthening extension services, developing tailored financial products, and fostering participatory approaches that involve farmers in decision-making processes. Further research is suggested to adapt and validate the framework across diverse agro-ecological zones and to explore longitudinal effects of climate resilience initiatives. This study ultimately provides a robust, theory-based assessment framework that advances adaptive agricultural practices, contributing significantly to the sustainability and resilience of smallholder farming systems amid climate challenges.