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  1 - Factors affecting lead farmers in facilitating conservation agriculture practices in Kalira Extension Planning Area in Ntchisi District, Malawi
  Daniel Matemba Dalo Njera
  This study explores the factors influencing Lead Farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in Malawi through the Lead Farmer Approach (LFA). LFA involves training individual farmers in smart agricultural practices, making them key agents for More

  This study explores the factors influencing Lead Farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in Malawi through the Lead Farmer Approach (LFA). LFA involves training individual farmers in smart agricultural practices, making them key agents for disseminating new technologies. The research, conducted in the Ntchisi district, employs a mixed-method design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study's methodology involves surveys and focus group discussions with 394 follower farmers and 104 lead farmers. Logistic regression analysis explores factors such as age, gender, education, support from extension agents, time for farming, access to transportation, incentives, and depletion of own resources. Results indicate that access to support from extension agents, access to transportation, and depletion of own resources significantly influence the facilitation of CA practices by LFs. Lack of support or transportation acts as a hindrance, while resource depletion decreases the likelihood of considering LFA a viable approach. The study emphasises the importance of external support, transportation infrastructure, and resource availability in empowering LFs to promote CA effectively. The findings contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics influencing the success of CA practices facilitated by LFs. The study recommends targeted interventions to enhance LF capacity and suggests further research on gender dynamics in CA facilitation, especially in regions with traditional gender roles. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for government and development agencies working towards sustainable agricultural and rural development in Malawi. Manuscript profile