Determinants of Crop Diversification among Small Family Farms: A Logit Model Analysis in the Province of Chtouka-Aït Baha (Morocco)

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of crop diversification among small family farms in the province of Chtouka-Aït Baha, located in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. Based on a field survey conducted between January and August 2022 among 296 farms, a binary crop diversification variable (DIVCULT) was constructed, distinguishing specialized farms (single crop) from diversified farms (two or more crops). The results show that 58.1% of the surveyed farms practice crop diversification. A statistically significant binary Logit model (χ² = 96.808; p < 0.001), with a good fit to the data (Hosmer–Lemeshow test: p = 0.091; Nagelkerke R² = 0.376), was used to identify the main determinants of this practice. The age of the farm head and agricultural income have a significant negative effect on crop diversification, whereas education level, household size, cultivated area, non-agricultural income, and geographical location have positive effects. However, the latter exhibits a statistically significant individual effect only for the commune of Inchaden compared with Sidi Ouassay. These findings highlight the crucial role of human capital, cultivated land area, and family labor availability in shaping crop diversification strategies among small family farms. They also emphasize the need to strengthen public policies aimed at improving agricultural education, enhancing access to productive resources, and supporting income diversification in order to promote more resilient and sustainable farming systems.