Factors influencing the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies - Evidence from the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil

A dynamic econometric framework (duration analysis) is used to analyze the determinants of farmers' decisions on whether or not to adopt low-external- input and sustainable agriculture (LEISA) technology. A wide range of poten tial determinants (both economic and non-economic) are considered. Our resu lts suggest that the probability of a farmer adopting this technology incre ased if the farmer was more integrated with farmers' organizations, had con tacts with nongovernmental organizations, was aware of the negative effect of chemicals on health and the environment, could rely on family labor, and had a farm located in an area with better soil conditions. On the other ha nd, the probability of adoption was reduced by increases in farm size. In a ddition, time-varying economic variables outside farmers' control were foun d to be significant determinants of adoption and the rate of diffusion. Cha nges in relative prices were particularly influential. Specifically, the di ffusion of sustainable technology accelerated when declining output prices squeezed agricultural profit and many farmers faced difficulties in buying external inputs. Similarly, when labor became relatively cheap in periods o f economic crisis, low-external-input practices became a more attractive op tion for family smallholdings. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.