Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers in Bergville, South Africa

Crop diversification is a vital strategy for achieving sustainable agriculture and food security, yet adoption rates remain low. This study examined the socioeconomic factors influencing crop diversification among smallholder farmers. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to elicit data from 161 farmers solely specializing in crop production. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, analyzed using descriptive statistics. The multiple linear regression and multivariate probit regression models were applied to assess the socioeconomic factors influencing diversification. The results revealed that smallholders primarily focused on vegetable cultivation (87%), followed by cereals (56%) and legumes (43%). Education level, household size, market access, and the perceived benefits of diversification significantly (p < 0.05) influenced diversification decisions. Also, sources of irrigation water, age, marital status, and farm size were key factors in vegetable diversification, while farming experience, farm size, and perceived benefits influenced legume diversification. Only marital status and farming experience were positively linked to cereal crop diversification. Furthermore, 48.4% of farmers practice intercropping, integrating maize with pumpkins or sugar beans, while 33.5% still rely on monoculture, predominantly maize, due to limited resources. These findings highlight the need for policies and extension support to address socioeconomic barriers and encourage a wider adoption of crop diversification strategies.