African Journal of Swahili Studies (Kiswahili) | 20 July 2000
Greenhouse Adoption in Mozambique: A Comparative Study among Smallholder Vegetable Producers
F, i, d, e, l, i, o, M, u, t, e, m, b, e, i
Abstract
In Mozambique, smallholder vegetable producers face challenges in increasing their crop yields due to climate variability and limited resources. The adoption of greenhouses has been proposed as a viable solution to enhance production efficiency and resilience. The research employs mixed-methods approaches including surveys, interviews, and case studies. Data collection was conducted across three regions of Mozambique: Maputo, Gaza, and Manica. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical software to identify patterns related to greenhouse adoption rates and success factors. A notable finding is that smallholder farmers in the rural areas of Manica region are more likely to adopt greenhouses due to perceived benefits such as increased yields and improved market access, while those in Maputo benefit from better infrastructure support and government incentives. The study concludes that while greenhouse adoption has shown positive outcomes across different regions, there is a need for targeted interventions to facilitate wider adoption among smallholder farmers, especially in less accessible rural areas. Policy makers should consider providing subsidies, training programmes, and extension services tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers. Additionally, creating farmer-to-farmer learning networks can enhance knowledge sharing and support network formation.