Adoption Drivers of Climate Smart Irrigation Technologies for Sustainable Production by Smallholder Maize Farmers in Botswana

The adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies by smallholder maize farmers in Botswana remains very low. This study assesses the adoption drivers of the improved irrigation technologies in Botswana and analyses the characteristics of the smallholder maize farmers. Data were collected by administering a structured questionnaire during face-to-face contact with a sample of approximately 270 smallholder maize farmers. A probit regression model was used to determine the factors influencing the adoption of improved irrigation technology, and the results indicate that most farmers are likely to adopt irrigation systems. However, the adoption decision is influenced by socioeconomic characteristics, such as credit constraints, a lack of knowledge about irrigation technologies, and a lack of extension services. Descriptive analysis was employed to identify the attributes of the farmers. The statistics implied that 62% of the respondents were older than 50 years, only 15.87% of the respondents had received a university education, 48% had adopted improved irrigation methods, and 52% relied on rainfed agriculture. Therefore, this study recommends encouraging more young and educated farmers to adopt Climate-Smart Irrigation Technology (CSIT) to mitigate climate change, enhance productivity, ensure food security, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers in Botswana. Hence, the study recommends that concerned institutions in Botswana work to improve access to capital, facilitate training and education on improved irrigation methods, encourage more young and educated people to engage in farming activities, and ensure regular extension services to promote irrigation farming.