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The Role of Information in Agricultural Technology Adoption: Experimental Evidence from Rice Farmers in Uganda

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  • Bjorn Van Campenhout

Abstract

Optimal decision-making among the poor is often hampered by insufficient knowledge, false beliefs, or wrong perceptions. This paper investigates the role of information in the decision to use modern inputs and adopt recommended agronomic practices among rice farmers in Uganda. Using field experiments, I tested whether the provision of technical information about the correct use of modern inputs and practices affects adoption of these technologies and subsequent rice production. In addition, I assessed whether providing information aimed at changing the perception of the expected returns on such intensification investments led to different outcomes. In both experiments, the treatments took the form of short agricultural extension information videos shown to individual farmers using tablet computers. I found that both interventions resulted in increased intensification of rice cultivation but only after accounting for the possibility of interference between farmers. These results confirm the importance of peer effects in increasing the effectiveness of information for technology adoption.

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  • Bjorn Van Campenhout, 2021. "The Role of Information in Agricultural Technology Adoption: Experimental Evidence from Rice Farmers in Uganda," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 69(3), pages 1239-1272.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:ecdecc:doi:10.1086/703868
    DOI: 10.1086/703868
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    Cited by:

    1. Simon Alibu & Morish Obura & James Ekebu & Doreen Nampamya & Jimmy Lamo & Godfrey Asea & Tae-Seon Park, 2022. "Modest Ag-Extension and Access to Seeds of Aromatic Rice Can Boost Returns of Smallholder Farmers in Uganda, A Case Study," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Nicoleta Valentina Florea & Mircea Constantin Duică & Constantin Aurelian Ionescu & Anișoara Duică & Mihaela Cristina Onica Ibinceanu & Sorina Geanina Stanescu, 2021. "An Analysis of the Influencing Factors of the Romanian Agricultural Output within the Context of Green Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-17, August.
    3. Boun My, Kene & Nguyen-Van, Phu & Kim Cuong Pham, Thi & Stenger, Anne & Tiet, Tuyen & To-The, Nguyen, 2022. "Drivers of organic farming: Lab-in-the-field evidence of the role of social comparison and information nudge in networks in Vietnam," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    4. Xie, Hualin & Huang, Yingqian, 2021. "Influencing factors of farmers' adoption of pro-environmental agricultural technologies in China: Meta-analysis," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    5. Bairagi, Subir & Bhandari, Humnath & Kumar Das, Subrata & Mohanty, Samarendu, 2021. "Flood-tolerant rice improves climate resilience, profitability, and household consumption in Bangladesh," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).

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