Factors Influencing The Adopters And Nonadopters

Abstract

This study identified incentives and barriers to the diffusion and adoption of an agricultural innovation, the pre-sidedress nitrogen test (PSNT), evaluated technology transfer processes (educational programs), identified strategies and tactics for technology transfer, and profiled adopters and non adopters. A random sample of 220 adopters and nonadopters indicated that economic and technical information as well as change agents' attitudes impacted the adoption decision. Farm management information and economic concepts required to facilitate adoption decisions were absent during the original educational program. Adopters indicated that economic variables, saving money and inexpensive to use, influenced their adoption decision. Both adopters and nonadopters either did not possess or adhere to the prerequisite knowledge and skills in soil sampling to correctly perform the PSNT. When promoting agricultural innovations, educational programs should include economic and technical information. Change agents attitudes, as reported by farmers, were significant in discriminating adopters from nonadopters. Educators must consider and motivate change agents to promote and follow up on an innovation's use. Change agents need to recall and discuss prerequisite information to help farmers relate to the innovation and use it correctly. Holistic and multi-disciplinary approaches are necessary to promote an agricultural innovation.