Social-Ecological Attributes of Conservation Agriculture in Southern Malawi

Sustainable agriculture strategies should actively involve communities to leverage their knowledge, address challenges with intangible outcomes, and avert reliance on external support systems for innovations. The study aimed to identify farmers' perceptions of conservation agriculture social and ecological attributes (CA) and how personal demographics influence the value placed on these qualities. Multiple linear regression following principal component analysis was used to aggregate attitudinal factors underpinning farmers' attitudes toward CA's social-ecological features. Multiple correspondence analysis was performed to assess missed opportunities for CA valourisation based on farmers' perceptions of the functioning of organisations promoting CA. Extension guidance, CA area, and years of village residence were significantly correlated with assessments of enhanced surface soil and water dynamics, moisture maintenance, and nutrient recycling regarding ecological features. Concerning social qualities, CA, extension advice, and livestock ownership produced significant correlations associated with views of enhanced social connections, knowledge strengthening, and well-being and health, respectively. Organisations supporting CA were perceived as insufficient in providing interactional platforms that support acceptance of and collective action for CA. These findings indicate the possibility of incorporating information on social-ecological values into CA design and management.