How do innovation frames drive technological changes in smallholder farms in Benin?

This study investigates the role of innovation frames in influencing farmers' innovative behaviour through two independent case studies on sustainable land management in Benin. We hypothesised that innovation frames mediate the effects of demographic factors on technology adoption. Using moderator effect analysis via the medmod R package, we examined the moderating impacts of these demographic variables through multiple regression analysis. Path analysis was conducted with the Lavaan R package to validate the proposed models, assessing the interplay between socio-demographic variables, innovation frames, and adoption behaviours. An innovation frame encompasses the beliefs, values, and social representations that guide decision-making within farming contexts. Our findings indicate that innovation frames significantly predict innovative behaviour and mediate the influence of socio-economic attributes on farmers' innovation, highlighting the importance of cognitive processes over structural factors. We propose a novel measurement scale for the innovation frame, which can be applied and validated in various contexts. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of innovation frames offers valuable insights for future agricultural extension projects.