Determinants of cabbage production among smallholder farmers: a case of Omusati Region, North-Central Namibia

Cabbage production is a key livelihood activity for smallholder farmers in Namibia, contributing to household income, nutrition, and food security. However, its productivity is constrained by multiple, unknown factors. This study aimed to identify and analyze factors affecting cabbage production among smallholder farmers in the Omusati Region, North-Central Namibia. A two-stage sampling approach was used, with snowball sampling used to identify 60 farmers. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model (GLM). The results showed that most farmers were male, married, and ageing, with 73.3% being full-time farmers and 26.7% being part-time farmers. About 70% of the farmers source their income from vegetable production, while 30% source it from non-vegetable sources. Most farmers were less experienced in cabbage farming and owned less than 0.5 ha of land. 95% of farmers applied both organic and inorganic fertilizers using the banding technique. The study identified challenges faced by cabbage farmers, including insect and disease infestations, high input costs, seed shortages, inadequate extension services, a lack of fertilizer training programs, low-yielding cultivars, and a scarcity of organic fertilizers. The results of a generalized linear model indicated that sources of income, fertilizer training programs, and pest and disease presence negatively affected cabbage yield. Sociodemographic factors, including marital status, age, and occupation, were not significant predictors of the outcome. The study highlighted the importance of diversified income sources, improved agricultural training, and enhanced pest and disease management strategies to promote sustainable cabbage production.