Adoption Dynamics of Improved Maize Varieties among Smallholder Farmers in Mozambique's Western Highlands: A Three-Year Mixed Methods Study

In Mozambique's Western Highlands, smallholder farmers face challenges in adopting improved maize varieties due to limited access to resources and market information. A mixed methods study combining surveys, focus groups, and farmer interviews was conducted in four districts across the Western Highlands. Data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide comprehensive insights into adoption patterns and barriers. Farmers demonstrated a significant initial interest (65%) in adopting improved maize varieties but faced challenges such as limited access to credit and insufficient extension services, which led to lower actual uptake rates over the study period. The study highlights the importance of addressing resource constraints and improving extension support to enhance future adoption of improved maize varieties among smallholder farmers in Mozambique's Western Highlands. Policy makers should prioritise enhancing access to credit facilities and strengthening agricultural extension services to facilitate wider adoption of these varieties. Maize Varieties, Adoption Dynamics, Smallholders, Extension Services, Mozambique