This article demonstrates how conservation agriculture impacts smallholder farmers' livelihoods in Mozambique through increased crop productivity and yields, using primary data on smallholder farmers practicing conservation agriculture and others not using this technology from Nhanguo, Pumbuto, and Ruaca in Manica and Sofala provinces. Data analysis employs semiparametric propensity score matching methods. Direct correlations between conservation agriculture, higher productivity and yields; and indirect correlations with changes in household incomes and food security are suggested. Conclusively, systematic targeting of conservation agriculture to different farmer categories, can improve livelihoods, household incomes and food security. We recommend integration of conservation agriculture into the rural development policy framework in Mozambique. 757 758 P. Nkala et al.
Low crop productivity, food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition; inadequate farming knowledge and skills, implements and inputs are characteristic of smallholder agriculture in Southern Africa. Many researchers argue that conservation agriculture can guarantee higher crop productivity, food security, improved livelihoods and environmental protection, better than the unsustainable traditional systems of slash and burn practices. In this paper, we present the results of a meta-analysis of over 40 academic publications to review conservation agriculture's role in influencing desired livelihood outcomes in Southern Africa. We conclude that the effectiveness of conservation agriculture towards better livelihood outcomes in Southern Africa remains debatable, especially when supportive government policies are lacking.
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