Determinants of velvet bean ( Mucuna pruriens ) adoption in informal seed systems: pathways for crop preservation in southern Malawi

Despite its potential to improve soil fertility, nutrition, and smallholder livelihoods, velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) remains underutilized in southern Malawi. This study examined the determinants of its cultivation within informal seed systems in Machinga and Mulanje districts. A mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with 414 farmers, was used to assess how perceptions, indigenous knowledge, and seed access influence cultivation decisions. Binary logistic regression identified market awareness as the strongest predictor of cultivation (Exp (B)=15.379, p < 0.001 in Machinga; Exp(B)=9.103, p = 0.005 in Mulanje), alongside female-headed households (Exp(B)=4.274, p = 0.019) and access to training (Exp(B)=2.745, p = 0.021). In contrast, high input costs (Exp(B)=0.237, p = 0.016) and spatial isolation (greater than 1 km from other adopters; Exp(B)=0.147, p = 0.007) significantly reduced the likelihood of cultivation. Qualitative findings further contextualized these results, showing that indigenous knowledge and socio-cultural beliefs play a critical role in sustaining informal seed exchange and influencing farmers’ decisions. Cultivation was further constrained by limited extension support, unstable markets, and climate variability. Gendered labor roles and knowledge-sharing networks also shaped seed management practices. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening informal seed systems, integrating indigenous knowledge into extension services, and improving market access to enhance both cultivation and preservation of velvet beans in smallholder farming systems.