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Income Diversity, Technology Choice and Agricultural Research Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa

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  • James Sumberg
  • Elon Gilbert
  • Malcolm Blackie

Abstract

This article makes an initial analysis of the implications of income diversification for technical change and agricultural research policy in Africa, leading to two insights. First, that the dilution effect of income diversification means that, as the proportion of non-farm income increases, so must the expected gains from adopting a new agricultural technology. Second, that diversified producers will face disproportionately large transactions costs associated with information acquisition to inform technology choice decisions. Two hypotheses about how diversified producers are likely to react are then explored. Both point to the conclusion that income diversification among the poor is likely to constrain significantly the direct poverty impacts of agricultural research. The policy implications of these findings are then considered. Copyright Overseas Development Institute, 2004.

Suggested Citation

  • James Sumberg & Elon Gilbert & Malcolm Blackie, 2004. "Income Diversity, Technology Choice and Agricultural Research Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 22(2), pages 131-146, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:22:y:2004:i:2:p:131-146
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    Cited by:

    1. Montcho, Marthe & Padonou, Elie A. & Montcho, Marlise & Mutua, Meshack N. & Bayen, Phillip, 2023. "Impact of land tenure on livelihoods of women livestock-keepers in Burkina Faso," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    2. Erenstein, Olaf, 2006. "Intensification or extensification? Factors affecting technology use in peri-urban lowlands along an agro-ecological gradient in West Africa," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 90(1-3), pages 132-158, October.
    3. Sumberg, James, 2005. "Systems of innovation theory and the changing architecture of agricultural research in Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 21-41, February.
    4. Eileen Bogweh Nchanji & Cosmas Kweyu Lutomia & Odhiambo Collins Ageyo & David Karanja & Eliezah Kamau, 2021. "Gender-Responsive Participatory Variety Selection in Kenya: Implications for Common Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Breeding in Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    5. Njuguna, Esther M. & Amudavi, David Mulama & Khan, Zeyaur R. & Mbogoh, Stephen G. & Nyikal, Rose Adhiambo & Karugia, Joseph Thuo, 2008. "Classification and influence of agricultural information on striga and stemborer control in Suba and Vihiga Districts, Kenya," 2007 Second International Conference, August 20-22, 2007, Accra, Ghana 52081, African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).

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