Determinants of farm decision makers participation in local agricultural groups and climate smart agriculture adoption

Climate change poses serious challenges to rain-fed agriculture in developing countries, particularly for smallholder farmers. Climate-smart agriculture practices have emerged as essential tools for enhancing resilience and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. This study examines the joint determinants of farm decision-makers’ participation in local agricultural groups (LAGs) and the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in rural Uganda. Using a large IMPACT–Lite coordinated household survey dataset collected from farm decision-makers, the study employs a bivariate probit model to jointly analyze the determinants of participation in LAGs and the adoption of CSA practices. The results show that individual-level factors such as gender, land ownership, education, access to extension services, use of climate information, and past drought experience significantly influence both LAG participation and CSA adoption. The findings further indicate that membership in LAGs and CSA adoption are mutually reinforcing. We recommend strengthening local agricultural groups, improving climate information dissemination, and enhancing extension services to support informed decision-making and promote sustainable agriculture. This study contributes to the literature by jointly analyzing two interrelated decisions, thereby offering insights for policy formulation and development programming.