Smallholder farmer readiness for sustainable land management under the GEF7 project in semi-arid Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction This study examines smallholder farmer readiness for sustainable land management (SLM) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF7) project in semi-arid Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach combining farmer profiling survey, key informant interviews, field observations, and community mapping, we assessed 48 farmers (79.2% female, 37.5% youth) across four readiness dimensions: cognitive, behavioural, structural, and motivational. Results Farming was predominantly rainfed and subsistence-oriented, with most households cultivating <1 ha. Most farmers (85.4%) reported land degradation indicators, primarily soil erosion (54.2%) and declining fertility (52.1%). Climate risks (drought, poor rainfall, heat stress) were identified by 85% of participants, yet access to climate information services was limited. Although 93.8% of farmers had implemented at least one SLM practice, adoption concentrated on low-cost options (manure/compost = 60.4%; crop rotation = 35.4%; agroforestry = 35.4%), while intensive practices such as contouring and controlled grazing remained rare (6.2%). Structural readiness was the primary limitation, i.e. extension access was infrequent (33.3% never accessed), only 35.4% had received SLM training, and collective action mechanisms were absent. Critically, all farmers expressed willingness to adopt improved practices if supported through training, demonstrations, and follow-up. Fisher's Exact Test revealed significant associations between extension access and adoption of agroforestry (p = 0.004) and mulching (p = 0.002). Conclusion We conclude that farmer readiness is high in cognitive and motivational dimensions but constrained by structural deficits. Interventions must prioritize strengthening extension systems, practical training, and community-level coordination to unlock existing readiness and scale SLM in semi-arid communal landscapes.