Effectiveness of innovation platforms in enhancing technology adoption, productivity and viability : the case of smallholder dairying in Rusitu and Gokwe, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Despite numerous interventions, low adoption of dairy technologies, low productivity and viability challenges characterize smallholder dairy farming in large parts of the tropics. The problem lies in the unavailability, low adoption rates and disadoption of available improved smallholder dairying technologies. Using Rusitu and Gokwe smallholder dairy projects in Zimbabwe as a case study and a cross-sectional survey of 227 households, this research set out to: (i) explore the innovation domains and their influence on technology adoption patterns, (ii) determine the socio-economic differences between participants and non-participants in smallholder dairy innovation platforms, (iii) assess the effectiveness of innovation platforms in enhancing productivity and viability, and (iv) determine the potential of innovation platforms in enhancing the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) innovations in smallholder dairying. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis identified five distinct innovation domains viz: smallholder dairy producers (61.6%), smallholder dairy heirs (15.9%), new and emergent producers (4.6%), smallholder dairy pioneers (2.0%), and market-oriented producers (15.9%). Innovation domains influence the level of dairy technology adoption, notably those with higher levels of participation in innovation platforms. Further comparisons indicated statistically significant differences between innovation platform participants and non-participants regarding dairy herd size, experience in commercial dairying, training received, dairy management systems, and overall Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) (p < 0.01). Propensity Score Matching (PSM) techniques were used to estimate the Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT) in determining the impact of innovation platforms on productivity and viability. Results show an ATT value of 0.135 (p < 0.1), while participation in innovation platforms had a positive significant impact on average milk productivity and gross income (p < 0.01). Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression analysis identified participation in innovation platforms to be significant in determining the adoption of CSA innovations such as artificial insemination and fodder production (p < 0.01), and hence the potential of innovation platforms in enhancing the adoption of CSA innovations in smallholder dairying. Innovation platforms have great potential for enhancing technology adoption, productivity and viability in smallholder dairying. This study recommends the promotion, adoption and sustainable funding of innovation platforms as practical tools for developing smallholder dairying.