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Do Incentives matter for Knowledge Diffusion? Experimental Evidence from Uganda

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  • Sseruyange, J.
  • Bulte, E.

Abstract

Many development interventions involve training of beneficiaries, based on the assumption that knowledge and skills will spread “automatically” among a wider target population. However, diffusion of knowledge (or innovations) can be slow and incomplete. We use a randomized field experiment in Uganda to assess the impact of providing incentives for knowledge diffusion, and pay trained individuals a fee if they share knowledge obtained during a financial literacy training. Our main results are that incentives increase knowledge sharing, and that it may be cost-effective to provide such incentives. We also document an absence of assortative matching in the social learning process.

Suggested Citation

  • Sseruyange, J. & Bulte, E., 2018. "Do Incentives matter for Knowledge Diffusion? Experimental Evidence from Uganda," 2018 Conference, July 28-August 2, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia 275896, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iaae18:275896
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.275896
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kahsay, Goytom Abraha & Bulte, Erwin, 2021. "Internal versus top-down monitoring in community resource management: Experimental evidence from Ethiopia," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 111-131.
    3. Abebe, Meseret Birhane & Endale, Kefyalew, 2023. "The Impact of Improved Seed Adoption on Nutrition Outcome: A Panel Endogenous Switching Regression Analysis," EfD Discussion Paper 23-1, Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg.
    4. Adjognon,Guigonan Serge & Nguyen Huy,Tung & Guthoff,Jonas Christoph & van Soest,Daan, 2022. "Incentivizing Social Learning for the Diffusion of Climate-Smart Agricultural Techniques," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10041, The World Bank.
    5. Alem, Yonas & Hassen, Sied & Köhlin, Gunnar, 2023. "Decision-making within the household: The role of division of labor and differences in preferences," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 511-528.
    6. Alem, Yonas & Dugoua, Eugenie, 2022. "Learning from unincentivized and incentivized communication: a randomized controlled trial in India," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 110858, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    7. Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia, 2019. "Information exchange links, knowledge exposure, and adoption of agricultural technologies in northern Uganda," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 94-106.

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