Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 99 traditional practices, with a benefit-cost analysis supporting its profitability, especially in areas with better soil quality and market integration (Jensen et al., 2003). Similarly, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) in rural Zambia, such as maize-legume rotation and residue retention, has been shown to raise both maize yields and household incomes, despite the high cost of inorganic fertilizers (Manda et al., 2016). In Ontario, Canada, a no-till strip row farming system that involves yearly maize-soybean rotation has demonstrated a 75% increase in maize yield compared to conventional practices. This method not only enhances yield but also results in a 400% higher net return, making it a highly profitable practice (Islam et al., 2015). Additionally, a study comparing drip and conventional fertigation methods found that although the initial capital investment for drip irrigation is high, the cumulative benefits and longer system life make it economically viable. The highest income from produce was recorded for the drip fertigation treatment, indicating its superior cost-benefit ratio (Singh et al., 2017). 7.2 Financial returns Financial returns from maize cultivation are closely tied to the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. In Ethiopia, the adoption of multiple improved maize production technologies has led to significant impacts on farm-level maize yield and production costs. The integration of these technologies has resulted in a 26.4% cost reduction per kilogram of maize output, increasing both producer and consumer surpluses and reducing poverty levels (Kassie et al., 2018). In the American Southwest, prehistoric maize farming was found to be economically comparable to local wild plants, with intensive farming practices yielding similar returns to low-ranked seeds. This suggests that financial returns from maize farming were influenced by local ecological conditions and the availability of alternative economic opportunities (Barlow., 2002). 7.3 Market access Market access plays a crucial role in determining the economic viability of maize cultivation practices. In semi-arid Tanzania, market-oriented households that adopted tied-ridging and high fertilizer inputs were able to maximize profitability, highlighting the importance of market integration for economic success (Jensen et al., 2003). In rural Zambia, the adoption of SAPs has been shown to improve household incomes, suggesting that better market access can enhance the financial returns from sustainable agricultural practices (Manda et al., 2016). In Ethiopia, the economic impacts of improved maize production technologies at the market level have been significant, with increased producer and consumer surpluses contributing to poverty reduction (Kassie et al., 2018). Overall, the economic viability of maize cultivation practices is influenced by a combination of cost-benefit analysis, financial returns, and market access. The adoption of improved agricultural technologies and sustainable practices can lead to higher yields, reduced production costs, and increased profitability, especially when supported by good market integration. 8 Social and Cultural Implications 8.1 Traditional knowledge Traditional maize cultivation practices are deeply rooted in the cultural and historical contexts of farming communities. These practices often involve the use of indigenous knowledge systems that have been passed down through generations. For instance, traditional farming techniques, such as the selection of seeds and the use of organic fertilizers, are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance (Bajpai and Kumar, 2022). Additionally, cultural preferences play a significant role in the retention of landraces, which are traditional varieties of maize that have been cultivated over long periods. These landraces are not only important for their genetic diversity but also for their cultural significance, as they are often associated with traditional rituals and culinary practices (Bellon and Hellin, 2011). 8.2 Community impact The shift from traditional to modern maize cultivation practices has profound implications for community dynamics. Modern agricultural practices, characterized by the adoption of hybrid seeds and the use of chemical
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