Climate-smart agriculture practices adoption among smallholder coffee farmers

Abstract

Climate change remains one of the most urgent en vironmental challenges globally, with agriculture among the sectors most adversely affected. In Tanzania, the coffee in dustry is particularly vulnerable, with climate-related stresses significantly undermining productivity and profitability. In response, the Government of Tanzania and key coffee-sector stakeholders have intensified efforts to promote the adop tion of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. This study assessed the level of adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices promoted by government and coffee-sector stakeholders across 17 agricultural cooperatives in Mbinga, Nyasa, Rungwe, Mbeya, Ileje, and Mbozi districts. A mixed methods approach was employed, incorporating household surveys, semi-structured questionnaires, focus group dis cussions, and observations, to collect primary data. Second ary data were obtained through a review of reports from the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) and the Tanza nia Coffee Board (TCB). The findings show that 70.42% of respondents have implemented at least three CSA practices. Predictor variables such as coffee varieties, pest and soil man agement practices, agroforestry, and conservation techniques play a crucial role in shaping CSA outcomes. Together, these variables explain a substantial portion of the observed vari ation, underscoring their importance in promoting sustain able farming practices. The findings further reveal that most smallholder farmers affiliated with agricultural cooperatives have adopted at least two climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. This reflects the positive influence of government initiatives and the efforts of other key stakeholders, includ ing cooperatives, in supporting CSA adoption. The study concludes that interventions by the Government of Tanzania and coffee sector stakeholders have significantly contributed to the uptake of climate-smart agriculture practices among cooperative members. These efforts have enhanced coffee productivity and strengthened farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate challenges. It is recommended that coffee stakehold ers bolster agricultural cooperatives to attract more farmers and accelerate the dissemination of good agricultural practic es (GAPs), thereby improving CSA adoption. Key stakehold ers – particularly TCB, TaCRI, Moshi Co-operative Univer sity (MoCU), agricultural cooperatives, NGOs, and private sector actors – should continue to support farmers in adopting CSA practices. Additionally, smallholder farmers are encour aged to actively participate in CSA-related extension services and training to enhance their knowledge, increase productiv ity, and expand their influence within cooperatives and policy platforms.