SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DROUGHT RISK AND ADOPTION OF MODERN MAIZE IN SOUTHERN MALAWI

摘要: Modern maize varieties have been bred for drought tolerance and early maturity, to assist farmers in avoiding or escaping the effects of moisture stress drought-prone areas. This study evaluates prospects widespread adoption these modern as a climate change adaptation strategy smallholder farmers. Data are from detailed household survey completed four rural villages Southern Malawi between May July 2010. The empirical analysis involves estimation an ordered logit regression model because dependent variable is categorical, with one category nonadoption (has never grown varieties) three categories duration growing variety among adopters (this year only, 2 5 years 6 more). findings indicate positive association farmer's perception risk continued use maize. Regression results also show that value traits maturity more likely adopt varieties. There evidence some disadoption dissatisfied genotype performance, terms poor storability yield under conditions. Finally, highlights urgent need breeders interested sustained simultaneously address robust tolerance, storability. underscores importance cognizance local farmer preferences crop breeding efforts.