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Abstract
Pull-Pull (PPT) and Imazapyr resistant maize (IR) technologies are among the Striga
weeds eradication innovations that have been promoted in western Kenya. In order to
direct agricultural investment optimally, the most promising technology need to be
identified and up scaled given limited financial and resource allocation trade-offs.
Using data from a sample of 326 farmers, we applied the Average Treatment Effect
(ATE) framework to estimate the actual and potential adoption rates of the two
technologies. The results indicate relatively similar actual adoption rates of PPT (37%)
and IR maize technology (36.3%). However, the potential adoption rates of PPT and
IR maize technology were 56.3% and 46%, respectively, whereby the adoption gap of
PPT (20%) was higher compared to that of IR maize technology (9%). These findings
show that, if extra efforts are made to close the adoption gap to potential, PPT is a
more attractive Striga control strategy.