Developing a Participatory Framework for Enhancing Farmer Adoption of Climate-Resilient Crops

Thesis Abstract

Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, particularly in developing regions where smallholder farmers constitute the backbone of food security. Despite the availability of climate-resilient crop varieties, their adoption remains limited due to socio-economic, cultural, and informational barriers. This study aims to develop a participatory framework that enhances farmer adoption of climate-resilient crops by integrating farmer perspectives, extension services, and policy support. The specific objectives include identifying socio-economic factors influencing adoption, assessing farmer perceptions and knowledge about climate-resilient crops, and designing a participatory model to facilitate effective dissemination and adoption mechanisms. The research employs a mixed-methods approach within a descriptive cross-sectional design. The population comprises 1,200 smallholder farmers across three agro-ecological zones characterized by varying climate vulnerabilities. A stratified random sampling technique selected 300 farmers to ensure representative diversity concerning age, gender, and farm size. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires covering socio-economic variables, knowledge, perceptions, and adoption behaviors, with reliability established via Cronbach’s alpha exceeding 0.75. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews among 20 selected farmers, extension agents, and local policymakers, analyzed thematically to uncover contextual insights. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to profile farmer characteristics and adoption rates, followed by inferential techniques including multiple regression analysis to identify determinants of adoption. Thematic analysis was employed on qualitative data to interpret underlying perceptions, barriers, and facilitators. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the theoretical framework integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations theory, providing a robust basis for the participatory framework development. Expected findings indicate that variables such as access to extension services, perceived benefits, socio-economic status, and peer influence substantially predict adoption behaviors. The study anticipates revealing specific socio-cultural barriers, misperceptions, and infrastructural gaps hindering widespread acceptance of climate-resilient crops. The qualitative insights are expected to show that participatory engagement enhances trust, knowledge sharing, and collective decision-making, thereby accelerating adoption rates. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a theoretically grounded, context-specific participatory framework that can be operationalized to foster farmer-led innovation adoption. The integration of TAM and Diffusion of Innovations within the framework underscores the importance of perceived usefulness, ease of use, and social influence in adoption processes, adapting these to local realities through participatory mechanisms. The study concludes that active farmer participation, tailored extension strategies, and supportive policy interventions are critical to optimizing adoption outcomes. Recommendations include embedding participatory approaches into existing agricultural extension programs, establishing farmer innovation platforms, and aligning policies to incentivize adoption of climate-resilient varieties. The findings offer practical insights for development practitioners, extension services, and policymakers aiming to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure sustainable agricultural development. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of participatory frameworks on climate resilience and food security at broader regional scales.