Determinants of Knowledge System Choice for Climate Change Adaptation: Evidence From Smallholder Farmers in Southern Zambia

Understanding how smallholder farmers select knowledge systems for climate adaptation is critical to enhancing resilience in vulnerable regions. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the determinants of indigenous, scientific, and integrated knowledge systems among 202 smallholder farmers in Southern Zambia’s Agro-Ecological Region I. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models, complemented by qualitative insights. The results show that knowledge system use is widely distributed across farmers, with no significant variation by district for indigenous (χ² = 7.037, p = 0.318) and scientific knowledge (χ² = 4.801, p = 0.570). Significant associations were found between the use of scientific knowledge and age (χ² = 7.181, p = 0.028) and between the use of integrated knowledge and gender (χ² = 4.745, p = 0.029). Logistic regression analyses showed that male farmers are significantly less likely to adopt integrated knowledge systems (OR = 0.295, p = 0.010), whereas most socio-economic variables were not statistically significant. Model diagnostics indicate modest explanatory power (McFadden R² = 0.073–0.093), highlighting the complexity of decision-making processes. The findings suggest that contextual and behavioral factors shape the choice of knowledge system more than structural characteristics. Climate resilience is being enhanced through the emergence of integrated knowledge systems. This study therefore contributes to the literature by offering empirical evidence on knowledge integration and providing policy-relevant insights to enhance the climate adaptation strategies of smallholder systems. Integrated knowledge systems are emerging as a critical pathway for enhancing climate resilience.