Farmer segmentation for enhancing technology adoption and smallholder dairy development

Abstract

Despite various interventions, smallholder dairy farming in large parts of the tropics remain 
characterised by low productivity, restricted market participation, and viability challenges. The problem 
lies in the unavailability, low adoption rates and non-adoption of available improved smallholder 
dairying technologies. Using Rusitu and Gokwe smallholder dairy projects in Zimbabwe as a case 
study, this paper explored broad global issues of farmer segmentation, characteristics of the different 
farmer segments or innovation domains, the domains’ influence on technology adoption patterns, and 
the impact of technology adoption on smallholder dairy development. Through a survey of 227 
households and the use of a multivariate analysis approach, Principal Component Analysis identified 
eight principal components, while follow-up analysis using Cluster Analysis identified five distinct 
innovation domains. These innovation domains included smallholder dairy producers (61.6% of the 
surveyed households), smallholder dairy heirs (15.9%), new and emergent producers (4.6%), 
smallholder dairy pioneers (2.0%), and commercial and market-oriented producers (15.9%). The paper 
established that innovation domains with higher levels of participation in smallholder dairy innovation 
platforms had higher rates of dairy technology adoption. The net effects have higher estimated annual dairy incomes, improved total household incomes, and the development of smallholder dairy 
enterprises. This study provides valuable contributions in advancing the theories and practice of 
innovation, agricultural research and advisory services.