Abstract:
Maize seeds differ according to varieties.The traditional maize varieties(also
referred to as (Landraces)are maize varieties that have been cultivated and
subjected to selection by farmers for generations.They retain a distinct identity and
lack formal crop improvement. Improved maize varieties,on the other hand,are bred
with characteristics such as drought and disease tolerance. This research was
conducted to determine the attributes preferred by farmers when making a maize
varietal choice.To be specific, the study aimed to achieve the following objectives:(i)
Identify and describe socio economic characteristics of smallholder maize farmers’
in Mogalakwena Municipality; (ii) Analyse socioeconomic characteristics of
smallholder maize farmers in Mogalakwena Municipality; (iii) Identify different maize
varieties grown by smallholder farmers in Mogalakwena Municipality,and (iv)
determine and analyse factors influencing farmers’choice ofa maize variety.
Descriptive statistics and the Multinomial Logistic Regression Model were used for
data analysis.The results of the study revealed that 64% of the respondents had
formal education.This meant that they have the capability to grasp more information,
if provided with trainings. It was found that 75% of the farmers did not have access
to extension service which is supposed to play a significant role in agricultural
information dissemination.The most grown maize variety was land race varieties
which constituted 59.5%. This percentage was said to be resultant from limited
access to the seed market. Infact,80% of the farmers had to travel an average of 42
kilomteres to access the market which also had a limited number of varieties.The
Multinomial Logistic Regression Model revealed that only 5 variables (Educational
level, farm size, yield, extension contact and knowledge of maize varieties )were
significantat1%,5%,1%,1% and1%, respectively.The majority of farmers were old
people with little access to extension service and an inadequate farming knowledge
which lead to a highper centage of farmers continuing to grow landrace varieties.
Based on the findings, this study recommend further research on attributes that
influence farmers varietal choice and Government intervention in provision for
resources and development of existing and new infracstrcture to encourage
extension service delivery.
Keywords:Landrace,improvemaizevariety,smallholderfarmer
