The influence of conservation agriculture adoption on input demand and maize production in Butha Buthe, Lesotho

This thesis examines the factors influencing adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) technologies and the effects adoption has on input demand, maize production, and farm profit in the province of Butha Buthe, Lesotho. In Lesotho, conventional agricultural practices such as plowing and brush burning for land preparation continue to cause soil erosion and reduce yields. Conservation agriculture technologies have been promoted by various organizations to improve soil structure, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, improve farmer household wellbeing, and increase food security. However, adoption of CA by smallholder farmers in Lesotho and other sub-Saharan countries has been relatively slow.