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Exploring factors that shape small-scale farmers' opinions on the adoption of eco-friendly nets for vegetable production

Vidogbena, Faustin, Adegbidi, Anselme, Tossou, Rigobert, Assogba-Komlan, Francoise, Martin, Thibaut, Ngouajio, Mathieu, Simon, Serge, Parrot, Laurent, Garnett, Stephen T. and Zander, Kerstin K. (2015). Exploring factors that shape small-scale farmers' opinions on the adoption of eco-friendly nets for vegetable production. Environment, Development and Sustainability: a multidisciplinary approach to the theory and practice of sustainable development,18(6):1749-1770.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 84376995xPUB262
Title Exploring factors that shape small-scale farmers' opinions on the adoption of eco-friendly nets for vegetable production
Author Vidogbena, Faustin
Adegbidi, Anselme
Tossou, Rigobert
Assogba-Komlan, Francoise
Martin, Thibaut
Ngouajio, Mathieu
Simon, Serge
Parrot, Laurent
Garnett, Stephen T.
Zander, Kerstin K.
Journal Name Environment, Development and Sustainability: a multidisciplinary approach to the theory and practice of sustainable development
Publication Date 2015
Volume Number 18
Issue Number 6
ISSN 1387-585X   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84944632925
Start Page 1749
End Page 1770
Total Pages 21
Place of Publication Netherlands
Publisher Springer Netherlands
Field of Research 0701 - Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
0502 - Environmental Science and Management
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
Abstract If agro-ecological systems are to realize their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural systems, innovation diffusion needs to be enhanced. We conducted surveys among 214 small-scale vegetable farmers in Benin, a food-deficit country in West Africa, on how they perceived the different attributes of eco-friendly nets (EFNs). The nets act as physical barriers against insects in vegetable production and so reduce pesticide use. Understanding farmer perceptions about new technologies helps reveal farmers’ propensity to adopt them. Intensity of attitude was measured on a Likert scale, and an ordered probit model was used to determine which characteristics of nets were most influential. Eighteen percent of farmers thought that EFNs would benefit them, but almost half preferred not to adopt this technology at all. The main reason for rejecting the nets was the perceived high labor requirement, particularly on larger plots of land. This largely negative perception was strongest among farmers with large areas cultivated with vegetables, farmers who had little or no experience in a trial, and those living far from extension services. We recommend expanded trials that engage a higher proportion of farmers, strengthening of external support for those wanting to use the nets and further technological development to reduce labor costs, improved access to finance and increased education about the negative impacts of insecticides abuse.
Keywords Agro-ecology
Cabbage
IPM
Innovation
Insect barrier
Perceptions
Southern Benin
Technology adoption
West Africa
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10668-015-9717-z   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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