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Usefulness of Network Analysis to Characterize Technology Leaders in Small Dual-Purpose Cattle Farms in Mexico

Author

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  • Oriana Villarroel-Molina

    (Animal Science Department, Rabanales University Campus, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain)

  • Carmen De-Pablos-Heredero

    (Department of Business Economics (Administration, Management and Organization), Applied Economics II and Fundamentals of Economic Analysis, ESIC Business & Marketing School, Rey Juan Carlos University, Paseo de los Artilleros s/n, 28032 Madrid, Spain)

  • Jaime Rangel

    (Mexico’s National Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP), Medellín de Bravo 94277, Mexico)

  • María Prosperina Vitale

    (Department of Political and Social Studies, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, IT 84084 Fiscano, Italy)

  • Antón García

    (Animal Science Department, Rabanales University Campus, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain)

Abstract

The low technology adoption rate is one of the major problems in very small dual-purpose cattle farms in Mexico. Using the social network analysis approach, we characterized the farmer leaders in the innovation network and deepened the knowledge on the low technological adoption causes. The sample consisted of 383 very small farms of dual-purpose cattle characterized by using nine reproductive management technologies. Our findings suggested that the network position of farmers had a significant impact on the technological level. Hence, the farmers farthest from the technology leaders showed the lowest levels of betweenness centrality index and high rates of constraint. Apart from this, advice, productive orientation, and intensification were also differentiating elements at the technological level. The findings provided relevant insights and useful tools to policy makers to better support, coordinate and enhance the adoption of innovation among smallholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Oriana Villarroel-Molina & Carmen De-Pablos-Heredero & Jaime Rangel & María Prosperina Vitale & Antón García, 2021. "Usefulness of Network Analysis to Characterize Technology Leaders in Small Dual-Purpose Cattle Farms in Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2291-:d:502606
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    Cited by:

    1. Villarroel-Molina Oriana & De-Pablos-Heredero Carmen & Barba Cecilio & Rangel Jaime & García Antón, 2021. "The Importance of Network Position in the Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Smallholders of Dual-Purpose Cattle in Mexico," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-14, April.

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