Unlocking Innovation in Homestead Farms: Exploring drivers and barriers to innovation adoption among farming households in Uzbekistan

Abstract

Homestead, or tomorqa, farms play a key role in agriculture and food security in Uzbekistan. These small-scale farms are integral to the livelihoods of more than 5.5 million rural households, collectively utilizing over 500,000 hectares of agricultural land, which accounts for nearly 15 percent of the coun try’s total arable agricultural land area.1 The significance of homestead farms is also underscored by their substantial contribution to the overall agricultural output of the country, producing the majority of horticulture and livestock products. In 2023, homestead farms produced approximately 62 percent of agricultural products, 37 percent of crop output, and an impressive 88 percent of livestock production.2 Recognizing their critical importance, the Uzbek government has positioned homestead farms at the heart of its poverty reduction strategy. This strategy includes the allocation of additional land to rural households, thereby expanding their capacity for agricultural production and improving the economic stability of rural communities. Furthermore, the government actively promotes the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies and practices by homestead farms. In addition to agricultural production and rural livelihoods, homestead farms are also central to Uzbeki stan’s efforts to foster climate-smart agriculture to enhance climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector. The government has also promoted the implementation of water-saving technologies and practices that reduce land degradation among homestead farms, which not only help mitigate the impacts of climate change but also ensure the long-term viability of agricultural resources amid land- and water-scarcity challenges. Understanding the drivers and barriers to the adoption of these innovative practices is crucial for tailor ing policies to better support farmers, enhancing the effectiveness of government initiatives, and ensur ing the sustainable development of homestead farms. This project note examines the key drivers of and barriers to the adoption of innovative technologies and practices by homestead (tomorqa) farms in Uz bekistan. To answer this question, this note analyzes data from an intra-household survey conducted among 1600 households with homestead plots in 4 provinces of Uzbekistan in 2024.