The diffusion of innovations in agriculture: Rice technologies in West Africa---approaches used. The case of the Gambia

Rice is the second most important cereal in the world after wheat. It is the main staple for about one third of the world's people in developing countries, especially Africa. Despite its crucial importance in these countries, few of them have attained self-sufficiency in its production. The demand for rice in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is growing faster than its production, and faster than the demand for any other major food staple. This is most evident in West Africa, where the consumption has largely outstripped growth in production and where imports have risen at an annual rate of 8% from the early 1960's to fill the deficit (WARDA 1997). The deficit represents an estimated ;Improved technologies for rice production is being made available, however, farmer adoption in many countries in the sub-region remains low, severely constrained by a range of systematic problems in extension agencies (WARDA 1996). Limited approaches or strategies in extension as well as limited access to specific innovations represent major obstacles to technology diffusion. Recent efforts to reform public extension agencies to be more responsive to farmer needs have met with minimal success.;This study focuses on rice diffusion strategies in extension and tests the hypothesis that strategies used to introduce or diffuse rice technologies to farmers affect significantly their adoption decisions. The analysis conducted with data from The Gambia representing two perspectives---farmers and agents of diffusion---strongly supports the hypothesis. It suggests that using alternative strategies to "extend" technologies in the production of rice might vary adoption rates and increase use intensity.;The study also examines impacts of rice diffusion approaches used over the last decade using yield and cultivated land area data. The results provide a strong case for diffusion implementation strategy for future design and practice using the range of variables included in the study. The study proposes an innovative model that would contribute to increasing adoption rates for greater productivity in the production of rice. The outcome of this study will contribute to future goals of institutions and agencies engaged in rice research and diffusion, primarily RADORT (Research on the Accelerated Diffusion) program in its aims to develop and document innovative approaches to technology dissemination and the application of stronger institutional linkages.