Inventory and drivers of the adoption of flood‐based farming systems in South‐Eastern Africa: Insights from Malawi

Rainfed agriculture, which is dominant in sub-Saharan Africa, remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this framework, flood-based farming systems (FBFS) enable the use of floodwater as an opportunity for crop production. FBFS have received much attention recently; however, there is limited guidance on how they can be promoted effectively in rural areas. To do so and to support the adoption of appropriate systems, it is important to understand the current practice of FBFS. This study focuses on the Balaka District (Malawi) and the types of FBFS in use, the extent of practice, and the factors behind their adoption. A sample size of 398 farmers was considered, using questionnaires, observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to collect primary data. The results showed flood recession agriculture (FRA), depression agriculture, spate irrigation, and inundation canals and dugouts among the FBFS used and that FRA was the dominantly adopted method (54%). Lack of capital investment and level of farmer awareness were the factors most associated with FBFS adoption with p = .00003 and p = .004, respectively. Capital investment and actions to increase farmers' awareness should therefore be considered to realize the full benefits of FBFS.