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Selective attention and information loss in the lab-to-farm knowledge chain: The case of Malawian agricultural extension programs

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  • Niu, Chiyu
  • Ragasa, Catherine

Abstract

A multitude of approaches and modalities are available for delivering useful information to rural communities. However, evidence regarding the information efficiency of these modalities is limited, as are studies identifying the mechanisms of potential information loss in the agricultural extension system. In this paper, we assess information efficiency along the knowledge transmission chain from researchers to agricultural extension agents (EAs) to lead farmers (LFs) to other farmers. By asking the same set of questions about a fairly well known technology, pit planting, we construct a measure of knowledge at each node of the knowledge transmission chain. Evidence shows that the majority of information loss happens at the researcher-to-EA link and the EA-to-LF link, and that the loss is potentially caused by teaching failures or by selective attention and learning among both the EAs and the LFs concerning all important details of the technology. Results highlight the need for greater emphasis during training and learning on key dimensions of technology packages that are commonly ignored.

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  • Niu, Chiyu & Ragasa, Catherine, 2018. "Selective attention and information loss in the lab-to-farm knowledge chain: The case of Malawian agricultural extension programs," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 147-163.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:165:y:2018:i:c:p:147-163
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2018.06.003
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    2. Kazushi Takahashi & Rie Muraoka & Keijiro Otsuka, 2020. "Technology adoption, impact, and extension in developing countries’ agriculture: A review of the recent literature," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(1), pages 31-45, January.
    3. Md. Rajibul Alam & Yoko Kijima, 2024. "Incentives to Improve Government Agricultural Extension Agent Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Bangladesh," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 72(3), pages 1295-1316.
    4. Denise Hörner & Adrien Bouguen & Markus Frölich & Meike Wollni, 2019. "The Effects of Decentralized and Video-based Extension on the Adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management – Experimental Evidence from Ethiopia," NBER Working Papers 26052, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Fred Mawunyo Dzanku & Robert Darko Osei, 2023. "Does combining traditional and information and communications technology–based extension methods improve agricultural outcomes? Evidence from field experiments in Mali," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 450-475, February.
    6. Naeher,Dominik & Schundeln,Matthias, 2021. "The Demand for Advice : Theory and Empirical Evidence from Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9532, The World Bank.
    7. Ragasa, Catherine, 2020. "Effectiveness of the lead farmer approach in agricultural extension service provision: Nationally representative panel data analysis in Malawi," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    8. Denise Hörner & Adrien Bouguen & Markus Frölich & Meike Wollni, 2022. "Knowledge and Adoption of Complex Agricultural Technologies: Evidence from an Extension Experiment," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 36(1), pages 68-90.
    9. Farris, Jarrad & Maredia, Mywish K. & Mason, Nicole M. & Ortega, David L., 2024. "Farmer personality and community-based extension effectiveness in Tanzania," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    10. Joanna Chilemba & Catherine Ragasa, 2020. "The Impact on Farmer Incomes of a Nationwide Scaling Up of the Farmer Business School Program: Lessons and Insights from Central Malawi," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(4), pages 906-938, September.
    11. Beg, Sabrin & Islam, Mahnaz & Rahman, Khandker Wahedur, 2024. "Information and behavior: Evidence from fertilizer quantity recommendations in Bangladesh," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).

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