Climate-Smart Agriculture and Smallholder Farm Management under Environmental Pressure: Evidence from Muvunda Village in the Mining Hinterland of Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a critical strategy for improving agricultural productivity and resilience under increasing environmental stress in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the determinants and impacts of CSA adoption among smallholder farmers in Muvunda Village, Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 370 farming households through structured surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and spatial analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, logistic regression, and multivariate linear regression models. Results indicate that 46% of households adopted at least one CSA practice, including agroforestry, soil conservation, and drought-resistant crops. CSA adopters achieved significantly higher yields than non-adopters, with mean productivity increasing from 1.90 t/ha among non-adopters to 3.10 t/ha among full adopters (F(2,367)=64.7, p<0.001). Logistic regression results show that institutional support strongly increased adoption likelihood (OR=3.20, p<0.001), while access to finance also had a significant positive effect (OR=1.80, p=0.010). Multivariate regression further revealed that CSA adoption increased yields by approximately 0.55 t/ha (p<0.001), even after controlling for farm size, education, and climate shocks. The interaction analysis confirmed that adopters experienced lower productivity losses under drought conditions (β=+0.38, p=0.018), demonstrating enhanced resilience. Gender disparities were evident, with male-headed households representing 63% of adopters, although female adopters also recorded productivity improvements compared to non-adopters. The study concludes that CSA significantly enhances productivity, resilience, and adaptive capacity, while institutional support and financial inclusion remain essential for scaling sustainable agricultural transitions in environmentally vulnerable regions.