THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES IN PARANA, BRAZIL
Michael Burton, Dan Rigby, Trevor Young, Hilda M. de Souza Filho
Abstract
Logit/probit analysis and a dynamic econometric framework ( duration analysis) is used to analyze the determinants conditioning farmers' decisions on whether or not to adopt organic and/or biodynamic production methods in the State of Parana. A wide range of potential determinants (both economic and non-economic) are considered. Our results suggest that the probability of a farmer's adoption of these production practices increases if the farmer has undertaken further education, if he has tried to maximize consumption of his own farm's produce, and if he has obtained information from a producer association or organic advisory service. On the other hand, the probability of adoption was reduced if the farmer is a member of a farmers' union, has obtained information from the radio or the extension service, and has. a greater reliance on agriculture as an income source. In addition, duration analysis permitted the exploration of systematic effects that influence the adoption decision. It was found that the number of years working in farm management is significant. The conditional probability of adoption increases over time, but the probability of adoption is markedly higher in the first four years of farm management. This suggests that if the use of sustainable farm production techniques is to be promoted, farmers should be targeted at an early stage in their careers.
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Referências
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