The adoption of Improved Agricultural Techniques in Mozambique: An Empirical Approach

Abstract

Studies on the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and advanced farming systems have found that the adoption of these technologies has rarely met then point of rapid diffusion because of imperfect information, capital, and income constraints. Disseminating culturally and contextually relevant agricultural extension messages to farmers have historically been problematic in less developed countries. New methods to circumvent these obstacles including farmer groups are innovative and warrant greater examination. The objective of this research is to empirically examine the factors impacting the adoption of improved agricultural practices among farmers in Mozambique, with particular attention on the role of farmer groups. Because the adoption of sustainable practices has been slow in the region, empirical results can be used to make recommendations as to how policy can influence the adoption of sustainable practices and to determine whether farmer associations play a critical role in the process. The results indicate that disseminating improved agricultural techniques through farmer groups can play an important role in securing rural livelihoods and increasing food security in the region through increased income opportunities and increased crop production.