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Do grassroots interventions relax behavioural constraints and improve adoption of nutrition-sensitive food production systems?

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  • Alvi, Muzna
  • Ward, Patrick
  • Makhija, Simrin
  • Spielman, David J.

Abstract

In most developing countries, agricultural policies and programs are designed to promote productivity growth with modern inputs and technologies, and the success of these policies is measured primarily along the dimensions of technology adoption, with limited reference to the ancillary impacts on behavioural outcomes that may be a prerequisite to adoption. We test whether grassroots programs can additionally relax behavioural constraints, potentially enhancing the adoption of diversified production systems. In Odisha, India, using a series of laboratory-infield experiments and survey instruments to elicit farmers' preferences for risk, agency and aspirations for themselves and their children, we find that respondents in villages where grassroots interventions were promoted showed significantly lower levels of risk aversion and higher aspirations for themselves and their children, along with improvements in production and consumption diversity. However, we do not find a mediating role of reduced risk aversion in improving direct program outcomes. Our results show that grassroots approaches are effective in inducing a shift towards changing production systems, and relaxing behavioural constraints, that can be leveraged over time to strengthen impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Alvi, Muzna & Ward, Patrick & Makhija, Simrin & Spielman, David J., 2023. "Do grassroots interventions relax behavioural constraints and improve adoption of nutrition-sensitive food production systems?," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 68(01), September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aareaj:343068
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.343068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ambler, Kate & De Brauw,Alan, 2017. "The impacts of cash transfers on women?s empowerment : learning from Pakistan?s BISP program," Policy Research Working Paper Series 113161, The World Bank.
    2. Rachel Croson & Uri Gneezy, 2009. "Gender Differences in Preferences," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 47(2), pages 448-474, June.
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