ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL MODERNIZATION OF SUBSISTENCE FAMILY FARMING IN SOFALA, MOZAMBIQUE WITH OBSERVABLE DETERMINANTS: A MICROECONOMETRIC APPROACH BASED ON DATA FROM HOUSEHOLDS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with social modernization of production units in subsistence family farming in Sofala, Mozambique. A quantitative approach was used, employing contingency tables and chi-square tests to examine the association of social modernization with sociodemographic characteristics, production unit features, crops grown, and farmers’ perceptions. Results indicated that gender, age, education, and household size were not significantly associated with modernization (p > 0.05). Among production units, only the form of acquisition showed a trend toward statistical association (p = 0.51). The cultivation of sweet potato (p = 0.04), butter bean (p = 0.04), and goat rearing (p = 0.03) was significantly associated with modernization, suggesting that these practices play an important role in the adoption of social technologies. Regarding farmers’ perceptions, time savings (p = 0.03), technology efficiency (p = 0.04), and lack of knowledge (p = 0.02) were determinant factors. Other perceptions and crops did not show significant effects. Based on these findings, public policies should focus on practical technical training and promotion of strategic crops, while future studies should explore additional cultural, social, and economic factors.