The Effects of Decentralized and Video-Based Extension on the Adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management – Experimental Evidence from Ethiopia

52 Pages Posted: 9 Mar 2020 Last revised: 9 Mar 2023

See all articles by Denise Hörner

Denise Hörner

University of Goettingen (Göttingen)

Adrien Bouguen

Paris School of Economics (PSE)

Markus Frölich

Universität Mannheim, Chair of Econometrics

Meike Wollni

University of Goettingen (Göttingen) - GWDG

Date Written: July 2019

Abstract

The slow adoption of new agricultural technologies is an important factor in explaining persistent productivity deficits among smallholders in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Farmers delay in particular the uptake of technology packages. Since knowledge constraints are an important barrier to adoption, effective extension approaches are key. In recent decades, extension systems in many SSA countries have moved towards decentralized “bottom-up” models involving farmers as active stakeholders. In this study we assess the effects of a decentralized extension program and an additional video intervention on the adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) among 2,382 farmers in Ethiopia using a randomized controlled trial. ISFM should enhance soil fertility and productivity by combining organic and inorganic soil amendments. We find that both extension-only and extension combined with video increase ISFM adoption and knowledge. We further find evidence for increased adoption of ISFM practices among farmers in treatment communities that do not actively participate in the extension activities. The additional video intervention shows a significant complementary effect for these non-actively involved farmers, in particular regarding the combined use of the practices on the same plot. A causal mediation analysis reveals that increases in knowledge explain part of the treatment effects on adoption.

Suggested Citation

Hörner, Denise and Bouguen, Adrien and Frölich, Markus and Wollni, Meike, The Effects of Decentralized and Video-Based Extension on the Adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management – Experimental Evidence from Ethiopia (July 2019). NBER Working Paper No. w26052, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3550615

Denise Hörner (Contact Author)

University of Goettingen (Göttingen) ( email )

Platz der Gottinger Sieben 3
Gottingen, D-37073
Germany

Adrien Bouguen

Paris School of Economics (PSE)

48 Boulevard Jourdan
Paris, 75014 75014
France

Markus Frölich

Universität Mannheim, Chair of Econometrics ( email )

L7, 3-5
68131 Mannheim
D-Mannheim, 68131
Germany

HOME PAGE: http://froelich.vwl.uni-mannheim.de

Meike Wollni

University of Goettingen (Göttingen) - GWDG ( email )

Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5
Gottingen, 37073
Germany

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