Peer Learning in a Digital Farmer-to-Farmer Network : Effects on Technology Adoption and Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Information constraints rank high among barriers to agricultural technology adoption among small-scale farmers, particularly for complex bundles of complementary practices that may involve several components for successful implementation. Information communication technologies (ICTs) are emerging to extend the reach of agricultural training, with potential to deliver information through mobile and smartphones at little or no cost to farmers. We develop a low-cost digital extension platform that facilitates peer learning through SMS communication between farmers on basic feature phones, and use a randomized controlled trial to evaluate its ability to generate self-efficacy gains and promote adoption of beneficial practices. We measure a positive impact of treatment on adoption when farmers engage with each other through the tool (treated farmers are 14.5 percentage points more likely to adopt), but find that participants do not maintain activity after the first round of treatment