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Social networks and farmer exposure to improved cereal varieties in central Tanzania

Author

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  • Muange, Elijah Nzula
  • Schwarze, Stefan
  • Qaim, Matin

Abstract

This study uses probit and Poisson models to analyse the determinants of social network links for the exchange of information among 345 cereal farmers and the effects of social networks on farmer exposure to improved varieties in Central Tanzania. Results show that network links are determined by education, wealth, association membership, geographical proximity, kinship ties, community leadership role, and links to extension officers. Further, farmer networks positively affect the intensity of exposure to seed technologies with mostly missing or malfunctioning markets. Moreover, it is information networks outside a farmer’s village, rather those inside the village, that determine intensity of exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Muange, Elijah Nzula & Schwarze, Stefan & Qaim, Matin, 2014. "Social networks and farmer exposure to improved cereal varieties in central Tanzania," 2014 International Congress, August 26-29, 2014, Ljubljana, Slovenia 182645, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:eaae14:182645
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.182645
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    3. Giroux, Stacey & Kaminski, Patrick & Waldman, Kurt & Blekking, Jordan & Evans, Tom & Caylor, Kelly K., 2023. "Smallholder social networks: Advice seeking and adaptation in rural Kenya," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    4. Lisa Capretti, 2023. "Technology adoption constraints and Laser Land Levelling: evidence from Karnataka, India," Working Papers 1/23, Sapienza University of Rome, DISS.
    5. Thomas B. Yaméogo & William M. Fonta & Tobias Wünscher, 2018. "Can Social Capital influence Smallholder Farmers’ Climate-Change Adaptation Decisions? Evidence from Three Semi-Arid Communities in Burkina Faso, West Africa," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-20, February.

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