@article{Jackering:277540,
      recid = {277540},
      author = {Jackering, L. and Fongar, A. and Godecke, T. and Mbugua,  M. and Njuguna, M. and Ogutu, S. and Wollni, M.},
      title = {Communication Networks and the Adoption of Technologies:  Evidence from a Randomized Experiment},
      address = {2018-07},
      year = {2018},
      abstract = {A growing body of literature focuses on the importance of  peer effects for farmers  adoption decisions. However,  little is known on how interventions affect networks. We  are analyzing network changes and the influence of peer  effects on the adoption of technologies. Our analysis  builds on a unique dataset that combines a randomized  controlled trial (RCT) with detailed panel data on  communication networks. The RCT was implemented in rural  Kenya and consisted of varying combinations of agricultural  and nutrition training sessions. The broader purpose of the  extension training was the promotion of the black bean  variety KK15. Survey data from 48 farmer groups (824  households) was collected before (2015) and after (2016)  the intervention. Results suggest that the intervention had  a positive impact on the creation of communication links.  We find positive effects of adopting peers on individual  adoption decisions. Further, peer effects become  increasingly important for the adoption decision of farmers  attending a higher share of training sessions. Hence,  training farmer groups can be very efficient in diffusing  new technologies since peer effects can stimulate and drive  the adoption process. 

Acknowledgement :  This research  was financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of  Food and Agriculture (BMEL) based on the decision of the  Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany (grant number  2813FSNu01). The authors thank the University of Nairobi  and Africa Harvest for their research cooperation. We would  like to express our special gratitude to all respondents  and enumerators who were part of this survey.},
      url = {http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/277540},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.277540},
}