Adoption and Abandonment of Partial Conservation Technologies in Developing Economies: The Case of South Asia

Conservation agriculture (CA), a resource saving production system, could increase marginal farmers' incomes and sustainable agricultural systems, but adoption of CA includes the adoption of multiple technologies in the form of a package. Consequently, a complete adoption of a package of full CA technologies could be costly in the developing countries. Alternatively, encouraging the adoption of a complete package of CA technologies, in some cases, partial adoption of selected CA technologies (or PCA) may be suitable for the developing countries. Using farm-level data this study investigates the factors affecting the adoption and abandonment of PCA in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Particular attention is given to the role of spouses and social networks in the adoption and abandonment decisions of PCA. Findings show that social networks have a significantly positive effect on the adoption, but a significantly negative effect on the abandonment of PCA. Additionally, spouse's involvement in agricultural activities has a significant effect on the adoption of PCA. Finally, we find that farmers who saw PCA in action and not just heard from their neighbors, were more likely to adopt and less likely to abandon PCA. Therefore, promotional events through audio and visual media may not be as effective in the adoption of PCA.