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Agricultural Extension and Technology Adoption for Food Security: Evidence from Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Yao Pan

    (Aalto University)

  • Stephen C. Smith

    (George Washington University)

  • Munshi Sulaiman

    (BRAC International)

Abstract

This article evaluates causal impacts of a large-scale agricul- tural extension program for smallholder women farmers on technology adoption and food security in Uganda through a regression discontinuity design that exploits an arbitrary distance-to-branch threshold for village program eligibility. We find eligible farmers experienced significant in- creases in agricultural production income, which leads to improved food security and better shock-coping methods. Given minimal changes in the adoption of relatively expensive inputs including HYV seeds, these gains are likely attributed to increased usage of improved cultivation methods that require low upfront monetary investment and better crop choices. These results highlight the role of information and training in boosting agricultural productivity among poor farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Yao Pan & Stephen C. Smith & Munshi Sulaiman, 2015. "Agricultural Extension and Technology Adoption for Food Security: Evidence from Uganda," Working Papers 2015-11, The George Washington University, Institute for International Economic Policy.
    • Handle: RePEc:gwi:wpaper:2015-11
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agriculture; Extension; Agricultural Technology Adoption; Food Security; Information; Regression Discontinuity; Uganda;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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