Social network, referrals and technology adoption: Randomised field experiments using System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

IGC Bangladesh, together with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) of the Ministry of Agriculture, hosted a seminar on 15th January to disseminate the findings of the IGC commissioned study "Social network, referrals and technology adoption: Randomized field experiments using Systems of Rice Intensification (SRI)".

The study, led by Professor Asadul Islam (Monash University), presented interesting results on effective diffusion mechanism of agriculture knowledge and practise and how farmers can be motivated to adopt new technology.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) aims to provide knowledge on eco-friendly, sustainable agricultural practices to marginal farmers as well as commercial agriculture with a view to enhance agriculture productivity. Paddy is the major crop with crop sub sector in Bangladesh and DAE is keen to learn the insight on farmer’s behaviour on technology adoption and changes in management practices in response to the diffusion mechanisms incentives utilised by the study. Such findings are particularly useful to DAE to modify or amend in order to improve the efficacy of extension services practices currently delivered.