DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the determinants for adopting agricultural innovations by rice farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon.

Methodology

A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to collect data from 800 rice farmers in Ngoketunjia division. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Data Collection via Questionnaire] --> B[Descriptive Statistics Analysis];
    B --> C[Binary Logistic Regression Analysis];
    C --> D[Identify Key Determinants];
    D --> E[Formulate Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that while some factors like farm size, motivation, and household size positively influence adoption, others like the type of labor used, lack of innovation institutions, and property rights negatively impact it. The socio-political crisis, unexpectedly, showed a positive influence, potentially due to children providing labor due to school closures. The low adoption rate of many innovations suggests they might be too technical or costly for farmers.

Key Findings

Rice farmers adopted eight out of twenty-one identified technologies. Ten of the thirty-three variables tested significantly influenced adoption. Household size, farm size, level of motivation, number of extension visits, and the socio-political crisis had a positive influence. Type of labor use, innovation institutions, property rights, and social norms had a negative influence.

Conclusion

The adoption of agricultural innovations by rice farmers in Cameroon is suboptimal, with only a few low-tech innovations being widely adopted. Key drivers for adoption include economic factors (household and farm size), human-specific factors (motivation and extension services), and political factors (socio-political crisis). Addressing negative influences and leveraging positive ones is crucial for improving rice production.

Fact Check

* 800 rice farmers were sampled from Ngoketunjia division.
* Ten out of thirty-three tested variables significantly influenced innovation adoption.
* The regression model explained 48.1% of the factors influencing technology adoption.

Mind Map