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A Unified Methodology for Estimating the Demand for Improved Seed at the Farm Level in Developing Agriculture

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Author Info
Langyintuo, A.S.
Mazuze, F.M.
Chaguala, P.A.
Buque, I.A.
Abstract

This paper proposes a novel approach for estimating farm level seed demand in developing countries. In principle, a farmer views an improved seed as a derived input embodying production attributes and a technology embodying consumption characteristics and jointly decides on its adoption and the quantity of seed required to plant a predetermined area. Drawing on the theory of demand for consumption goods characteristics and production input attributes, this paper specified and estimated improved seed adoption and demand models simultaneously using data collected from 300 randomly selected farm households in the Manica, Sussundenga and Chockwé districts of Mozambique in the 2003/04 crop season. The demand model results suggest that adoption rate, household wealth, distance to market, and input support programs (or free seed distribution) significantly influence farmers'’ seed purchase decisions. Wealth has a direct impact on seed demand and could be achieved through asset accumulation, credit access or competitive grain markets. To improve adoption rates and subsequently seed demand, it is recommended that agricultural extension activities should emphasize field demonstrations to show the superiority of improved maize varieties over the local ones in terms of yield and resistance to storage pests. Making seeds available to farmers at short distances will also improve adoption rate. Seed support programs, which can potentially damage rural seed market development should be implemented with care. It is concluded that the joint estimation of technology adoption and improved seed demand provides a holistic approach to the identification of relevant factors determining seed uptake at the farm level in developing agriculture and contributes to the literature on farm level seed demand modeling.

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Paper provided by American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association) in its series 2006 Annual meeting, July 23-26, Long Beach, CA with number 21091.

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Date of creation: 2006
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Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea06:21091

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Keywords: Research Methods/ Statistical Methods;

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  9. Langyintuo, Augustine S. & Mekuria, Mulugetta, 2005. "Accounting for Neighborhood Influence in Estimating Factors Determining the Adoption of Improved Agricultural Technologies," 2005 Annual meeting, July 24-27, Providence, RI 19521, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association). [Downloadable!]
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  11. Feder, Gershon & Just, Richard E & Zilberman, David, 1985. "Adoption of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries: A Survey," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(2), pages 255-98, January.
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