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Understanding the Process of Agricultural Technology Adoption: Mineral Fertilizer in Eastern DR Congo

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  • Lambrecht, Isabel
  • Vanlauwe, Bernard
  • Merckx, Roel
  • Maertens, Miet

Abstract

We analyze the adoption of mineral fertilizer in South-Kivu. We model technology adoption as a three-step-process, including awareness, tryout, and adoption; and empirically analyze these steps using cross-sectional farm-household data, and bivariate and Heckman selection probit models. We find that awareness about fertilizer is high (57%) and mainly determined by education and social capital. Tryout is low (13% of aware farmers) but positively influenced by extension interventions. Continued adoption is high (70% of tryout farmers) but capital constraints are important and not all extension interventions are effective for continued adoption. Our results entail implications for extension policies in poor areas.

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  • Lambrecht, Isabel & Vanlauwe, Bernard & Merckx, Roel & Maertens, Miet, 2014. "Understanding the Process of Agricultural Technology Adoption: Mineral Fertilizer in Eastern DR Congo," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 132-146.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:59:y:2014:i:c:p:132-146
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.01.024
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