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Impact of Production‐ and Consumption‐Oriented Interventions on Crop Varietal Adoption: Cluster‐Randomized Controlled Trial Evidence From Northern Nigeria

Author

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  • Catherine Ragasa
  • Oyakhilomen Oyinbo
  • Ning Ma

Abstract

This paper evaluates the impact of three interventions (seed trial packs, consumption‐oriented interventions, and agricultural training, either individually or bundled) in improving varietal turnover in northern Nigeria via a 3‐year cluster‐randomized controlled trial. A secondary objective of the paper is to evaluate the performance of these varieties in farmers’ fields. Results show that seed trial packs increased adoption of promoted varieties by 42%–44% of farmers and 42%–47% of maize and cowpea land area. Farmers rated production, processing, marketing, and consumption characteristics of these varieties very highly. Yields on plots with promoted varieties were significantly higher than those of farmers’ traditional varieties, ranging from 16% to 25% more for maize and 70% for cowpea in the first season, with observed yields persisting in the second season.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Ragasa & Oyakhilomen Oyinbo & Ning Ma, 2025. "Impact of Production‐ and Consumption‐Oriented Interventions on Crop Varietal Adoption: Cluster‐Randomized Controlled Trial Evidence From Northern Nigeria," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 56(6), pages 1009-1029, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:56:y:2025:i:6:p:1009-1029
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.70047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kelvin Mulungu & Mitelo Subakanya & Peter Setimela & Akpo Essegbemon & Walter Chivasa & James Gethi & Mazvita Chiduwa & Jeremiah Sigalla & Henry‐Hussein Mvungi & Hambulo Ngoma, 2026. "Small Seed Packs, Big Potential? Effect of Seed Packs on Knowledge and Adoption of Improved Crop Varieties," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 77(2), pages 750-770, June.
    2. Abate, Gashaw T. & Kramer, Berber & Porter, Maria & Regassa, Mekdim D., 2026. "Accelerating varietal turnover through production and consumption trial packs: Experimental evidence from Ethiopia," 2026 Annual Meeting, July 26 - 28, 2026, Kansas City, Missouri 404780, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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