Attitudes toward Risk and Adoption of Technological Innovations in Small Rural Producers of Arid Zones: A Causal Focus

• Published in: Estudios sociológicos (Mexico City, Mexico) Vol. 19; no. 56; pp. 467 - 493
• Main Author: Allub, Leopoldo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: 01.05.2001
• Subjects: Adoption of Innovations; Argentina; Risk; Rural Areas; Small Farms; Social Attitudes; Socioeconomic Status; Technological Innovations
• ISSN: 0185-4186

This article analyzes the independent effects of attitudes toward risk & income diversification on the degree of adoption of new farming technologies among small producers from the province of San Juan (Argentina). As a first step, we present a multiple regression model of decisional behavior in which risk aversion & income diversification are considered variables that predict adoption of technological innovations in agriculture. Risk aversion was measured by requiring respondents to choose those aspects of farming activities that they considered risky. Together with income diversification -- an objective measure of risk -- both variables emerge as the most important predictors of the adoption of technological innovations. A second model attempts to identify the factors explaining risk aversion. Socioeconomic status emerges as the most important predictor. Additional variables tested in the model, such as farmers' participation in a rural extension program, were not significantly correlated to risk aversion. The article concludes with proposals to support more efficient & effective rural extension programs to improve the living conditions of farmers. 2 Tables, 3 Graphs, 36 References. Adapted from the source document.