Farmer perceptions and their implications for adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices

Although extensive research has assessed the role of perceptions in technology adoption, their role in facilitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) among small-scale farmers has received limited attention. The purpose of the research was to assess the effect of perceptions on the adoption of SAIPs. Data were gathered from 320 smallholder maize farmers in Eastern Uganda using a cross-sectional survey. Chi-square was used to compare perceptions of SAIPs among adopters and non-adopters. A binary logistic model was used to compute the effect of perception and institutional and socio-economic factors on farmers' adoption of SAIPs. Results revealed that adopters had higher perceptions of benefits associated with SAIPs than non-adopters, while non-adopters perceived SAIPs as more risky and costly than adopters. Econometric results show that perceived benefits, access to extension services, credit, and market nearness positively affected the adoption of SAIPs. Perceived risks and costs influenced SAIPs' adoption negatively. The study recommends strengthening extension services and farmers' training programs to create awareness of SAIPs' benefits. Extension services should focus on demystifying negative perceptions harbored by smallholder farmers towards SAIPs about costs and risks through frugal and hands-on extension techniques. Policies and development programs should consider farmers' perceptions to foster the adoption of SAIPs.