Using participatory training approaches such as farmer field schools (FFS) is perceived to be an appropriate technique to improve farmers’ knowledge of complex agro-ecological systems and Integrated Production and Pest Management (IPPM) technologies. However, the FFS approach appears to be more costly than alternative less intensive approaches of knowledge transfer. High per capita expenditures are more justified, if knowledge can be disseminated through informal farmer-to-farmer interactions. Participatory extension approaches therefore rely on interpersonal channels and group mechanisms for diffusing greater awareness and facilitating learning among the group of untrained farmers. Although diffusion is not an explicit goal of the FFS approach, it is nevertheless a desired side-effect, which could invalidate the reproach of fiscal unsustainability.
Several empirical studies found that knowledge generated by participatory extension training does not always sufficiently diffuse to non-participating farmers, because of the complexity of knowledge imparted in the course of a FFS. Farmers nevertheless exchange their experiences with each other, and thus, information about IPPM is being disseminated in the villages. This diffusion of information can have a significant impact on adoption behavior and be an important factor for a successful introduction and establishment of an innovation like IPPM.
This case study, conducted in the Région de Niayes in Senegal in 2004, investigates the effects of training intensity on the diffusion of information. The objective of the study was to identify the factors determining the intensity of information diffusion. A set of predominantly closed questions was used to generate data on demographic, farm-, IPPM-, and information-related issues, which are considered important to capture the diffusion processes. The data has been analysed using a logistic regression model as well as the ordinary least-square (OLS) -estimation model.
The results show that the proportion of trained farmers affects the dissemination of IPPM-related information. A higher share of FFS participants increases the individual exposure of non-participants. In addition, the quantity of information that is shared is higher. A second level of impact is the stage of adoption of FFS farmers and the observability of IPPM practices and benefits, which is a crucial variable for the intrinsic motivation of exposed farmers to adopt such technologies.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
- AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION - FROM TRADITIONAL TOP-DOWN MODELS TO THE PARTICIPATORY EXTENSION APPROACH
- History and role of agricultural extension
- The Transfer of Technology model
- The Participatory Extension Approach
- THE FARMER FIELD SCHOOL CONCEPT OF THE FAO
- The origins
- The concept of FFS
- Advantages and benefits of IPM-FFS
- Problems and criticism
- IPPM-FFS in Senegal
- OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
- CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
- DIFFUSION THEORY
- Definition - Diffusion and Adoption
- Diffusion of innovations
- Rate of adoption
- Rate of awareness and innovation-decision period
- Critical mass
- Diffusion research
- SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY
- Information and knowledge
- Basic assumption
- What can informal interaction achieve?
- The value of information
- THEORY OF COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
- General description
- Heterogeneity of population
- Social pressure
- HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY
- FFS intensity and information diffusion
- Information and stage of adoption
- Transformation of FFS intensity into individual exposure
- Specification of the survey hypothesis
- DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY
- SAMPLING PROCEDURE
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY SITE
- QUESTIONNAIRE
- METHODOLOGY OF ANALYSIS
- Social Network Analysis
- Respect and Advice Network
- IPPM Talks Network
- The logistic regression model
- The specification of the logistic model
- Estimation of the logistic function
- General evaluation of the model
- Evaluation of independent variables
- RESULTS OF THE SURVEY
- SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUIONAL CONDITIONS IN THE STUDY AREA
- Demographic conditions
- Social conditions
- Respect and Advice Network
- IPPM Talks Network
- Summary of results
- FFS intensity and individual exposure
- Rationale of individual exposure
- The intensity and time of exposure
- DIFFUSION OF INFORMATION ABOUT IPPM
- The likelihood of receiving IPPM-related information
- Cognitive dissonance and search for information
- The intensity of information reception
- Quality of Information
- Quantity of Information
- Regression results
- Summary
- EFFECTS OF INFORMATION DIFFUSION ON ADOPTION BEHAVIOR
- SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS
- CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- CONCLUSIONS DRAWN CONCERNING THE DIFFUSION OF FFS-ACQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
- ,What\" vs.,,How\".
- Diffusion of IPPM knowledge in Senegal
- QUALITATIVE DATA AND EXPERIENCES IN THE FIELD
- Problems to the implementation of IPPM
- Lack of water
- Limited or no credit supply
- Problems of commercialization and conservation
- Incentives to participate
- IMPLICATIONS OF SURVEY FINDINGS FOR THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FFS-IPPM PROJECTS
- OUTLOOK
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The study aims to investigate the diffusion of information and adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPPM) practices in Senegal, specifically focusing on the role of Farmer Field Schools (FFS). The study uses the Participatory Extension Approach, with a particular focus on the diffusion of knowledge and information as key drivers of adoption.
- Diffusion of Information and Knowledge
- Adoption of IPM Practices
- Role of Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
- Participatory Extension Approach
- Social and Institutional Factors Influencing Adoption
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Background of the Study: This chapter provides an overview of agricultural extension, tracing its evolution from traditional top-down models to the Participatory Extension Approach. It introduces the Farmer Field School (FFS) concept, highlighting its origins, advantages, and challenges. It also delves into the implementation of IPPM-FFS in Senegal.
- Conceptual Framework: This chapter lays out the theoretical foundation of the study, exploring diffusion theory, social cognitive theory, and the theory of cognitive dissonance. It defines key concepts like diffusion and adoption, explains the rate of adoption and awareness, and emphasizes the significance of informal interaction and information dissemination in adoption processes.
- Data Collection and Methodology: This chapter outlines the research methodology, covering the sampling procedure, data collection through questionnaires, and the methods of analysis employed. It details the social network analysis used to understand the flow of information and the application of the logistic regression model to analyze the influence of various factors on adoption behavior.
- Results of the Survey: This chapter presents the findings of the study, focusing on the socio-economic and institutional conditions in the study area. It examines the diffusion of information about IPPM, the likelihood of receiving IPPM-related information, and the impact of information on adoption behavior.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The study centers around the diffusion of information and adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPPM) practices in Senegal, particularly examining the role of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) within the framework of Participatory Extension Approach. Key concepts include information diffusion, knowledge dissemination, adoption behavior, social networks, and the influence of socio-economic factors on the implementation of IPPM practices.
- Citation du texte
- Diplom-Ökonom Rudolf Witt (Auteur), 2005, Diffusion of Information in Agriculture in Senegal, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/88198
