Adoption of rice production technologies: Experience from farmer field schools in Bangladesh

Abstract

Adoption of improved agricultural technologies is important drivers of agricultural development. On the other hand, farmer field school (FFS) approach is an important extension approach to disseminate the technologies provided an empirical framework for the study. The main focus of this study is to determine the extent of adoption and factors affecting adoption of selected rice production technologies in Bangladesh using the FFS approach. A sample of 338 farmers (including 182 FFS farmers and 156 non-FFS farmers) was chosen for the study using random sampling. Data were collected from Kaliganj Upazila under Lalmonirhat district in Bangladesh where the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) implemented FFSs under integrated farm management component (IFMC) Programme from the first phase (2013-2018). Data were collected by using a pre-test interview schedule. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software was employed in analyzing primary data. As per results, the adoption rate was found to be higher among the FFS farmers compared to non-FFS farmers. Factors (farmers’ characteristics) like innovativeness, risk orientation, knowledge on Integrated Farm Management (IFM), extension media contact, and access to market facilities affected adoption of rice production technologies. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) conduct more FFS in the country, and five factors, namely risk orientation, extension media contact, innovativeness, market access and knowledge on integrated farm management that significantly affect adoption, should be taken into account when disseminating new technologies for rice cultivation. The findings of the study may be a support for DAE and other extension organizations in planning to further design programmes filling the research gap in rice production of the country. Bangladesh Rural Development Studies, 26(1), 2023 (49-60)