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Abstract
Farmer-to-farmer transfer or dissemination of technologies is a neglected area of research even though successful
diffusion of many researcher and farmer-developed technologies is highly dependent upon farmers' private
initiatives. This is particularly true in many developing countries where formal market mechanisms used in
dissemination are often ineffective. Successful dissemination of new technologies to marginal farmers require greater
knowledge and use of indigenous dissemination methods. The determinants of farmer-to-farmer transfer of new
bean varieties experimented with by small-scale farmers in Uganda are investigated. Farmers were experimenting
with new varieties received through earlier on-farm trials and were transferring small quantities of grain to other
farmers for experimental purposes. On-farm trials may thus be an effective, but limited method for diffusing new
varieties. Factors directly associated with the transfer decision were farm size and variables identifying a willingness
to experiment with new varieties. The Production risk reducing strategies of intercropping and sowing of a larger
number of non-climbing bean varieties were negatively associated with the probability to transfer grain. The quantity
of grain available to transfer was not associated with the transfer decision. Farmers were not transferring grain of
the five varieties at different rates even though significant differences in yield were found.