Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 65-87 |
| Number of pages | 23 |
| Journal | Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 16 Oct 2017 |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2018 |
Abstract
Purpose: We assess farm technology adoption in an integrated analysis of social networks and innovation in plantain production in Ghana. The paper explores the strength of social networks in the agricultural innovation systems (AISs) and the effect of AISs on adoption of improved farm technology.
Methodology/Approach: The paper uses social network analysis (SNA) tools to identify, map and analyze the AISs and the two-stage Heckman selection model. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods allows testing the differential effects of social networks on technology adoption.
Findings: We find weak innovation systems in the study area. Farmers are central in the social networks but have little to no influence in the innovation system perspective. Social network capital plays a critical role in improving adoption of improved farm technology.
Practical implication: Focal farmers are important actors disseminating farm technology. They should be supported by policies to interact more effectively with research and extension agents. Strengthening the role of social networking in the innovation system will enhance adoption of improved farm technology.
Theoretical implications: The inclusion of SNA indicators in the adoption model is a novel approach for quantifying the effect of the innovation system and contributes to understanding the roles of different actors. Further validation of the SNA indicators is needed for a comprehensive analysis of the innovation system.
Originality/value: The innovation system approach is useful for researchers and policy-makers by encouraging them to consider new innovation actors and relationships in technology development and dissemination. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods can help to identify starting points for policies to promote innovations among farmers.
Keywords
- adoption, agricultural innovations system, extension, focal farmer, improved varieties, Innovation system approach, plantain, plantain production in Ghana, social network analysis, social networks
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Social Sciences(all)
- Education
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
Sustainable Development Goals
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In: Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, Vol. 24, No. 1, 01.2018, p. 65-87.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Agricultural innovation systems and farm technology adoption
T2 - findings from a study of the Ghanaian plantain sector
AU - Weyori, Alirah Emmanuel
AU - Amare, Mulubrhan
AU - Garming, Hildegard
AU - Waibel, Hermann
N1 - © 2017 Wageningen University
PY - 2018/1
Y1 - 2018/1
N2 - Purpose: We assess farm technology adoption in an integrated analysis of social networks and innovation in plantain production in Ghana. The paper explores the strength of social networks in the agricultural innovation systems (AISs) and the effect of AISs on adoption of improved farm technology. Methodology/Approach: The paper uses social network analysis (SNA) tools to identify, map and analyze the AISs and the two-stage Heckman selection model. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods allows testing the differential effects of social networks on technology adoption. Findings: We find weak innovation systems in the study area. Farmers are central in the social networks but have little to no influence in the innovation system perspective. Social network capital plays a critical role in improving adoption of improved farm technology. Practical implication: Focal farmers are important actors disseminating farm technology. They should be supported by policies to interact more effectively with research and extension agents. Strengthening the role of social networking in the innovation system will enhance adoption of improved farm technology. Theoretical implications: The inclusion of SNA indicators in the adoption model is a novel approach for quantifying the effect of the innovation system and contributes to understanding the roles of different actors. Further validation of the SNA indicators is needed for a comprehensive analysis of the innovation system. Originality/value: The innovation system approach is useful for researchers and policy-makers by encouraging them to consider new innovation actors and relationships in technology development and dissemination. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods can help to identify starting points for policies to promote innovations among farmers.
AB - Purpose: We assess farm technology adoption in an integrated analysis of social networks and innovation in plantain production in Ghana. The paper explores the strength of social networks in the agricultural innovation systems (AISs) and the effect of AISs on adoption of improved farm technology. Methodology/Approach: The paper uses social network analysis (SNA) tools to identify, map and analyze the AISs and the two-stage Heckman selection model. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods allows testing the differential effects of social networks on technology adoption. Findings: We find weak innovation systems in the study area. Farmers are central in the social networks but have little to no influence in the innovation system perspective. Social network capital plays a critical role in improving adoption of improved farm technology. Practical implication: Focal farmers are important actors disseminating farm technology. They should be supported by policies to interact more effectively with research and extension agents. Strengthening the role of social networking in the innovation system will enhance adoption of improved farm technology. Theoretical implications: The inclusion of SNA indicators in the adoption model is a novel approach for quantifying the effect of the innovation system and contributes to understanding the roles of different actors. Further validation of the SNA indicators is needed for a comprehensive analysis of the innovation system. Originality/value: The innovation system approach is useful for researchers and policy-makers by encouraging them to consider new innovation actors and relationships in technology development and dissemination. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods can help to identify starting points for policies to promote innovations among farmers.
KW - adoption
KW - agricultural innovations system
KW - extension
KW - focal farmer
KW - improved varieties
KW - Innovation system approach
KW - plantain
KW - plantain production in Ghana
KW - social network analysis
KW - social networks
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85031500336&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/1389224X.2017.1386115
DO - 10.1080/1389224X.2017.1386115
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85031500336
VL - 24
SP - 65
EP - 87
JO - Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
JF - Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
SN - 1389-224X
IS - 1
ER -