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Learning about Farming: Innovation and Social Networks in a Resettled Community in Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Margherita Comola

    (University Paris-Saclay and Paris School of Economics)

  • Carla Inguaggiato

    (University of Bern, Centre for Development and Environment)

  • Mariapia Mendola

    (University of Milano{Bicocca and IZA)

Abstract

We study the role of social learning in the diffusion of cash crops in a resettled village economy in northeastern Brazil. We combine detailed geo-coded data on farming plots with dyadic data on social ties among settlers, and we leverage natural exogenous variation in network formation induced by the land occupation movement and the agrarian reform. By using longitudinal data on farming decisions over 15 years we find consistent evidence of significant peer effects in the decision to farm new cash fruits (pineapple and passion fruit). Our results suggest that social diffusion is heterogeneous along observed plot and crop characteristics, i.e. farmers growing water-sensitive crop are more likely to respond to the actions of peers with similar water access conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Margherita Comola & Carla Inguaggiato & Mariapia Mendola, 2021. "Learning about Farming: Innovation and Social Networks in a Resettled Community in Brazil," Development Working Papers 468, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano.
  • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:468
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    Cited by:

    1. Jose Funes & Laixiang Sun & Fernando Sedano & Giovanni Baiocchi & Todd Benson, 2022. "Social interaction and geographic diffusion of iron‐biofortified beans in Rwanda," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 53(4), pages 503-528, July.

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    JEL classification:

    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q15 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Land Ownership and Tenure; Land Reform; Land Use; Irrigation; Agriculture and Environment

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