Climate-smart agricultural practices for economic development in semi-arid areas: A case of Matobo and Umzingwane districts in Zimbabwe

Climate change has threatened the global agricultural sector and food security systems globally, thus leading to the resurgence of high temperatures, increased occurrences of heat waves, reduced rainfall, increased incidences of cyclonic activities, resulting in the spread of endemic crop and animal pests and diseases. Farmers in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe have not been spared from the natural calamities. The study that sought to explore the experiences of local farmers on Climate Smart Agricultural Practices (CSA), identified challenges faced by farmers with a view to prescribing the most practicable solutions for adoption. Once local communal farmers get capacitated with modern Smart technologies, their level of productivity will be improved, thus positively impacting on their economic status. The study, which followed a mixed methods approach, used a sequential explanatory research design and established several factors contributing to farmers' inability to embrace advanced smart technologies. The study established that some communal farmers have partially adopted the pfumvudza/Intwasa concept, drought tolerant cropping systems, diversification, smart irrigation systems and use of fodder banks for livestock especially during the off season periods. Use of smart irrigation systems, enhanced varietal participation and practice of water harvesting technologies have also been found to be partially adopted owing to a myriad of existing challenges. Considering the role and benefits from CSA practices, it is highly recommended that farmers in semi-arid regions need fully adopt the smart farming practices which have the capacity to improve both food security and economic viability. Enactment of some climate smart acts need be considered so as to regulate climate issues among semi-arid farming communities.