Conservation agriculture and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in central Mozambique

Researchers gathered data on smallholder farmers practicing conservation agriculture and those practicing conventional agriculture in Nhanguo, Pumbuto, and Ruaca in Sofala and Manica provinces. The article examines how conservation agriculture impacts smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Mozambique through heightened crop yields and productivity. Semiparametric propensity score matching methods were used to analyze data. The researchers suggest an indirect correlation with changes in household incomes and food security; and direct correlation between conservation agriculture, higher productivity and yields. Conclusively, household incomes, food security, and livelihood can be enhanced through systematic targeting of conservation agriculture to various farmer categories. The researchers recommend that conservation agriculture be adopted into the rural development policy framework in Mozambique.