Retooling Cotton Growers for Improved Productivity in Mozambique: Implications of Integrated Crop Management Practices

Abstract

In Mozambique average yields of seed cotton range from 400-750 kg/ha on smallholders’ farms, while those in research plots average 3,000 kg/ha. To improve productivity, integrated crop management (ICM) practices were promoted in cotton production systems, using farmer field schools (FFS). In addition, relevant information on cotton marketing was provided to the cotton growers. This paper examines the extent to which the initiative contributed to changes in farmer practices, productivity and income. The ICM farmers had significantly larger area (p<0.01) under cotton, which was due to an overall average increase of 0.19 ha above that of non-ICM farmers. Ninety seven per cent of the ICM farmers rated cotton as the key contributor to income compared to 80% of the non-ICM farmers. Net incomes from cotton were significantly higher (p<0.01) for the ICM farmers. The ICM farmers had better access to information and knowledge of cotton production compared to the other farmers. The ICM farmers used significantly (p<0.01) less pesticides by up to US$ 9.27 and realized better seed cotton yields of up to 250 kg/ha above non-ICM farmers. Efficient use of ICM practices contributed to sustained increase in productivity and incomes.

Keywords: Productivity, sustainability, yield, income, pesticides.