Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of smallholder farmers towards cassava production in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Cassava is a global source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and it thrives in dry and infertile soil. Its resilience makes it suitable to mitigate climate change and reduce food insecurity. The crop is primarily consumed as a food source. However, it also has potential for use in various industries, including biofuel production, animal feed, and starch production for use in foods and textiles. Unfortunately, South Africa is not growing and using cassava to its full potential. This study evaluates the current state of cassava production in South Africa and assess how the socio-economics factors affect small-scale farmers' knowledge attitude, and practices (KAP) in cassava farming. The study used data from 117 farmers from three provinces, namely: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Kwazulu-Natal. The KAP model was used to analyse farmers’ KAP, and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between socioeconomic and demographic factors and farmers’ KAP. The findings showed that only a small percentage of farmers had adequate knowledge on cassava production. This was expected considering that cassava is not a conventional crop in South Africa. In addition, a substantial number of farmers had negative attitudes. Despite this, farmers expressed an interest in learning more about cassava farming and marketing of cassava. The study also found that most farmers were not adequately following the recommended practices for cassava production. The results show different socio-economic factors’ effects on knowledge, attitude, and practice. The study highlighted that gender, being widowed, and being educated positively influence farmers’ knowledge on cassava production. However, membership in organizations, age, and being divorced negatively affect their knowledge. In addition, membership in organizations, marital status, education, and farming experience positively influence farmers’ attitudes towards cassava production. However, gender negatively affects their attitude. Furthermore, age, gender, being widowed, primary education, and farming experience positively affect farmers’ practices in cassava production. However, being married or divorced and having secondary or tertiary education negatively affect farmers’ practice. To improve cassava farming, there is a need for educational programs specifically focused on cassava. These programs should cover various aspects of cassava cultivation, including its perishability and how to manage pests and diseases. It is important to pay special attention to older and female farmers and encourage older farmers to share their experiences with others.