Learning about a New Technology: Pineapple in Ghana
American Economic Review
vol. 100,
no. 1, March 2010
(pp. 35-69)
Abstract
This paper investigates the role of social learning in the diffusion of a new agricultural technology in Ghana. We use unique data on farmers' communication patterns to define each individual's information neighborhood. Conditional on many potentially confounding variables, we find evidence that farmers adjust their inputs to align with those of their information neighbors who were surprisingly successful in previous periods. The relationship of these input adjustments to experience further indicates the presence of social learning. In addition, applying the same method to input choices for another crop, of known technology, correctly indicates an absence of social learning effects. (JEL D83, O13, O33, Q16)Citation
Conley, Timothy G., and Christopher R. Udry. 2010. "Learning about a New Technology: Pineapple in Ghana." American Economic Review, 100 (1): 35-69. DOI: 10.1257/aer.100.1.35Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief
- O13 Economic Development: Agriculture; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Other Primary Products
- O33 Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
- Q16 Agricultural R&D; Agricultural Technology; Agricultural Extension Services