Small-farmer choice and decision making for sustainable soil management

Sub-Saharan African agriculture is limited by degraded soils, yet there is no universally predictive factor for the adoption of soil management practices. This chapter frames small farmer decision making by exploring the differences in perceptions of scientists and farmers, elaborating on economic factors influencing adoption, and considering the religious context which impact decision-making. Starting from Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations, it describes the progression in perspective on social learning, and recognizes the importance of imitation, time dynamics, and the process of innovation. This leads to a discussion of agricultural innovation systems, networks, and platforms which aims to develop a new framework with which to approach the promotion of integrated soil fertility management.