Examining the Effects of Agricultural Technology Adoption for Agricultural Productivity and Household Income on Small Scale Farmers: A Study of Mkushi District

In Zambia, over half of the population lives below the poverty line, struggling to meet basic calorie needs, with many children experiencing stunting. Smallholder farmers in Mkushi face multiple challenges, including low crop yields and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. This study explores the factors influencing the adoption of agricultural technologies among smallholders, assesses their impact on household income, and identifies barriers to widespread adoption. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys of smallholder farmers with qualitative interviews of key stakeholders. The analysis highlights critical factors influencing technology adoption, including education, land size, credit access, extension services, market access, and community influence. Farmers adopting advanced agricultural technologies experience significant gains in crop productivity and household income. Improved seeds have the highest adoption rate (40%), followed by fertilizers (35%), pesticides (32%), irrigation systems (25%), and farm machinery (15%), support 35% , resistance to change 20% and lack of information 10%. Despite these benefits, several challenges hinder adoption. The most significant barrier is high costs, affecting 50% of farmers, followed by limited access to credit (40%), lack of technical support (35%), inadequate information (10%), and resistance to change (20%). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance access to modern agricultural practices. Strengthening financial support systems, expanding agricultural extension services, and improving farmer training programs can foster greater adoption. The study emphasizes that addressing these barriers can enhance food security, economic stability, and overall agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in Zambia