No.233 Seminar ： How to leverage social networks to promote farmer’s adoption of agricultural technologies? Evidence from field experiments in developing countries.
- Vu Ha Thu Graduate School of Economics, 13th batch, Assistant Professor
- 2023/07/18 4:45pm
- Research Administration Building, Basement Floor (Conference Rooms 1&2) and Zoom
- English
- On-site, Zoom
Summary
Several essential agricultural technologies, for example, agricultural insurance and livestock vaccination, have remained low uptake in developing countries. Previous literature has highlighted the existence of social learning where farmers observe the technology adoption of other farmers within their networks; and then update their knowledge and expectations about these technologies. In order to improve farmers’ uptake of agricultural technologies, this research focuses on a key scientific question: “How to leverage social networks to promote farmer’s adoption of agricultural technologies?”. To answer this question, I investigate the long-term impacts of network-based interventions on farmers’ uptake of crop insurance and livestock vaccination using two randommized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in Vietnam and Sri Lanka. In addition, I evaluate the impacts of those technology adoptions on farmers’ welfare. Findings from this research suggest evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) for policymakers to design effective interventions that can influence farmers’ uptake of agricultural technologies which protects income stability and prevent farmers from falling into poverty. These findings also contribute to the 1st and 2nd goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).