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Transfer of improved varieties in informal markets and the diffusion of embedded innovation: experimentation with genetic resources in Uganda

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Listed:
  • Martina Bozzola
  • Tim Swanson
  • Helena Ting

Abstract

We look at the diffusion of seed technology among Ugandan farmers. We present a target-input model to conceptualize the adoption decisions of a new technology in which the best use of inputs is unknown. In this framework, there is path dependency in the adoption process. We show that the group of innovators is well-defined but too small to overcome the system’s inertia. We find little evidence that seed policy reforms implemented in Uganda in the past 20 years boosted agricultural productivity, largely on account of a lack of local experimentation and inadequate use and diffusion of new seed varieties.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Bozzola & Tim Swanson & Helena Ting, 2016. "Transfer of improved varieties in informal markets and the diffusion of embedded innovation: experimentation with genetic resources in Uganda," CIES Research Paper series 46-2016, Centre for International Environmental Studies, The Graduate Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:gii:ciesrp:cies_rp_46
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Herbert Ainembabazi & Johnny Mugisha, 2014. "The Role of Farming Experience on the Adoption of Agricultural Technologies: Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Uganda," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(5), pages 666-679, May.
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    3. Marenya, Paswel Phiri & Barrett, Christopher B., 2009. "The effect of soil quality on fertilizer use rates among smallholder farmers in western Kenya," 2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China 51671, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    4. David Sapsford & John-ren Chen (ed.), 1998. "Development Economics and Policy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-26769-9.
    5. Paswel P. Marenya & Christopher B. Barrett, 2009. "Soil quality and fertilizer use rates among smallholder farmers in western Kenya," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 40(5), pages 561-572, September.
    6. Kijima, Yoko & Otsuka, Keijiro & Sserunkuuma, Dick, 2011. "An Inquiry into Constraints on a Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of NERICA Rice in Uganda," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 77-86, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Improved Seed; Seed Policy Reforms; Peer Effects; Uganda.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets

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