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Did You Really Get the Message? Using Text Reminders to Stimulate Adoption of Agricultural Technologies

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  • Catherine Larochelle
  • Jeffrey Alwang
  • Elli Travis
  • Victor Hugo Barrera
  • Juan Manuel Dominguez Andrade

Abstract

This article provides evidence from a randomised control trial conducted among potato farmers in Ecuador about the impact of mobile phone text messages on farmer knowledge about and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Using psychological constructs, we examine competing explanations for non-standard decision-making leading to low adoption of beneficial agricultural technologies. Farmers who received text messages have significantly higher knowledge and are more likely to adopt most IPM practices than those in the control group. Findings provide evidence that text messages lead to behavioural changes by reducing inattention and sub-optimal heuristics in the face of complex decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Larochelle & Jeffrey Alwang & Elli Travis & Victor Hugo Barrera & Juan Manuel Dominguez Andrade, 2019. "Did You Really Get the Message? Using Text Reminders to Stimulate Adoption of Agricultural Technologies," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(4), pages 548-564, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:55:y:2019:i:4:p:548-564
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2017.1393522
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