Comparative Analysis of Farmer Knowledge on Climate-Smart Practices Across Regions

Thesis Abstract

In many agricultural systems, uneven adoption of climate-smart practices (CSPs) across regions undermines resilience to climate variability and reduces sustainability of smallholder livelihoods. This study investigates farmer knowledge of CSPs and its regional variation to identify drivers of awareness, comprehension, and potential barriers to adoption. The aim is to compare knowledge levels, perceived relevance, and readiness to implement CSPs among farming communities across four agro-ecological zones. Specific objectives are (1) to quantify the level of knowledge and accuracy of CSPs among farmers; (2) to examine regional differences in knowledge using multivariate statistical methods; (3) to identify socio-economic, institutional, and informational determinants of CSP knowledge; (4) to explore farmers’ perceived benefits, risks, and barriers to CSP adoption; and (5) to develop a contextually grounded model linking knowledge to intended adoption behavior. A stratified multistage sampling design will be employed. The population comprises smallholder farmers in the four regions representing distinct agro-ecologies. A sample of 1,200 households will be selected, with 300 households per region, using village-level stratification and random sampling within strata. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire assessing CSP knowledge (validated knowledge-items on soil health, water harvesting, agroforestry, drought-tolerant varieties, and integrated pest management), source credibility, access to extension services, socio-economic attributes, and experiential factors. In-depth interviews with 40 key informants (extension agents, agricultural officers, and lead farmers) will triangulate survey data. Instrument validity will be evaluated via content validity index by a panel of four climate-smart agriculture experts, and reliability will be tested with Cronbach’s alpha for the knowledge scale (target ? ? 0.7). Data analysis will integrate descriptive statistics, ANOVA and post hoc tests to detect regional knowledge differences, and multiple regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify determinants and pathways from knowledge to adoption readiness. A generalized ordered logit model will examine factors influencing the likelihood of expressing high readiness to adopt CSPs. Theoretical framing will draw on the diffusion of innovations theory and the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) framework, with explicit attention to social learning theory to interpret how extension contacts and peer networks shape knowledge transmission. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts will extract contextual factors shaping knowledge credibility and uptake, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model to interpret perceived usefulness and ease of use of CSPs. Expected findings include statistically significant regional disparities in CSP knowledge, with higher levels in regions with robust extension networks and prior CSP campaigns. Knowledge is anticipated to be positively associated with access to extension services, previous exposure to CSP demonstrations, literacy, and farm experience, while negatively related to perceived risk and information overload. The SEM is expected to reveal direct effects of knowledge on adoption readiness, as well as indirect effects mediated by perceived usefulness and perceived ease of implementation. The study will contribute to knowledge by clarifying how region-specific factors influence farmer cognition about CSPs and by integrating quantitative and qualitative insights into a cohesive model of knowledge-to-adoption pathways. The findings will inform targeted extension strategies, including context-tailored training modules, enhancement of credible information channels, and region-specific demonstration activities. The study concludes that strengthening credible, locally relevant CSP information through intensified extension engagement, farmer field schools, and peer-led learning substantially elevates knowledge levels and adoption readiness. Recommendations include regionally differentiated knowledge enhancement interventions, investment in extension capacity to deliver CSP demonstrations, co-creation of knowledge with farmers to address perceived barriers, and iterative monitoring of knowledge gains and adoption outcomes to guide policy and practice.