AbstractsCommunication

Bridging the Gap between Agricultural Innovations andImplementation: The way Forward for Guyana

by Juneann Garnett




Institution: Ohio University
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: Agriculture; Agricultural Education; Agricultural Economics; Agronomy; Latin American Studies; Agricultural Development; Diffusion of innovations; Communication of agricultural information; Agricultural extension; Food security; Hydroponics; Hydroponic agriculture; Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean; LAC; Agricultural development
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2075247
Full text PDF: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1429807458


Abstract

Research posits that the failure of developing countries to adopt new technologies at a desirable rate can be solved in part through the implementation of better information communication methods suited to farmers’ needs. This research looks at the implementation of the hydroponics farming technique in region 4, Guyana in an effort to assess farmers’ perceptions and preferences about the communication methods used in the diffusion of this innovation. Thirty-three adopters and 12 non-adopters were interviewed using structured interview technique to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis revealed that farmers prefer to receive information through inter-personal communication methods. However, due to lack of adequate information and timely information more than 50% of the farmers rely on farmer-to-farmer communication and their own search skills. Farmers’ choices in information sources is significantly related to age and gender. The choice to adopt or not to adopt depends on farmers’ personal preferences, the type of information received and how farmers influence each other. Advisors/Committee Members: Wangui, Edna (Committee Chair).