Social learning in agriculture: A scalable farmer-to-farmer extension approach for dairy farmers

We evaluate a farmer training intervention for smallholder dairy farmers in Uganda, demonstrating that an at-scale version of the "contact farmer" extension model can significantly increase milk production and be cost-effective. In this model, one "farmer trainer" is selected per village and trained to disseminate knowledge to other farmers. Using experimental sub-treatment arms, and a combination of observed and self-reported data, we assess three key components designed to enhance the program's impact: (i) non-monetary incentives for farmer trainers, (ii) support from professional extension agents, and (iii) a curriculum that combines key principles of animal nutrition and technology choice with a broad set of feeding practices. Results show positive impacts along the hypothesized causal chain, from knowledge acquisition by farmer trainers to knowledge of the farmers they train, and increases in their technology adoption, production, and profits.