Communication strategies used by participatory ecological land use management (PELUM) association in promoting the adoption of low external input sustainable agriculture (LEISA) among small scale farmers

Abstract

Problem: The adoption of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) among small scale farmers is low despite the advantages that this form of agriculture presents to the farmers and the environment. Objective: The research studied the communication tools used by Participatory Land Use Management (PELUM) Association Regional Desk (RD) in promoting adoption of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) among its member organisations and small scale farmers in Zambia. Methodology: The research was done through student attachment at PELUM RD. Data were collected using three main methods. These were: in-depth discussions with members of staff at PELUM Regional and Country Desks; Focus Group Discussions with s mall scale farmers in Munyeu, Mwembeshi, Shampule and Mubanga/Westwood areas in Kafue district; and 77 questionnaires were distributed to individuals employed in PELUM Zambia member organizations. Results: PELUM RD uses various strategies in promoting LEISA among small scale farmers and its member organizations in Zambia. One of which is communication. 46.2 percent of the respondents indicated that PELUM RD is not doing enough in communicating LEISA to its members. Conclusion: PELUM Association Regional and Country Desks need to improve communication with member organisations in Zambia. The Association should consider conducting social change campaigns in order to change the attitudes of the small scale farmers towards LEISA and increase adoption levels.