Adoption of Agricultural Technologies by Smallholder Farmers

This research article synthesizes empirical evidence regarding the adoption of agricultural technologies by smallholder farmers, focusing on the barriers they face and the implications for productivity and poverty alleviation. It outlines the critical role of smallholder agriculture in global food production, noting that these farmers often operate under low-productivity systems, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The article details how traditional agricultural technologies can enhance productivity but are often inaccessible due to credit shortages, inadequate training, and market inefficiencies. It highlights the exacerbating effects of climate change on these barriers and introduces Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) as a strategic response. CSA aims to improve farm incomes, resilience to climate shocks, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The article reviews existing literature on technology adoption and identifies effective interventions, emphasizing the need for policies that support CSA adoption among the poorest farmers. It also discusses the distributional impacts of technology adoption, particularly concerning gender and land access, and suggests integrated approaches to overcome constraints faced by smallholder farmers.