Abstract

The study assessed the sustainability of conservation farming in promoting food security among smallholder farmers in Change Ward. The study findings were analyzed using a sustainable livelihood theoretical framework using a qualitative research approach where interviews, focus group discussions, and observations were used. It was found that the farmers are growing a variety of crops, which is resulting in improved crop diversification and more resilience among farmers. This has a positive bearing on increasing food availability, the variety of crops is leading to improved nutritional status at the household level. Also, their resilience to climate change has thus far improved because of conservation agriculture which in turn increases the probability of its sustainability among farmers as they are seeing its benefits. Furthermore, vulnerabilities of this strategy were also highlighted which might pose a threat towards its sustainability, these include dependence on government inputs, too laborious, climate change which is resulting in high and unpredictable rains which come for a short period. The study found out that farmers own land for their agricultural purposes, and have family support which tends to reduce workload at the fields, farmer groups and technical support from the Agritex officers. However, during the research, some participants had a divergent view on the sustainability of this strategy as they do have assets such as land, they are not in any farmers group which has a bearing on the workload. Thus, the study shows that conservation agriculture is one of the key strategies that is being practiced by smallholder farmers towards the improvement of their food security at home. This strategy is sustainable among farmers as there are assets that are put in place that could help the farmers to continue with the strategy in ensuring food security. However, in ensuring its sustainability there were some loopholes which needs to be addressed inorder to address the sustainability aspect of this strategy such as clear and improved land ownership, women empowerment which will go a long way in addressing the shortage of financial resources. Government should introduce and subsidise the mechanization of this strategy as a way of reducing its workload in the fields. There is need for the empowerment of smallholder farmers on soft skills such as unity and respect among the farmers.

Keywords: Conservative agriculture, Food security, Smallholder farmers, Climate Change, Resilience, Adaptation and sustainability.