Journal of Development Economics · 2025 · Violet Lasdun、Aurélie P. Harou、Christopher Magomba、Davíd Güereña
中文摘要
信息约束是阻碍小规模农户采用农业技术的主要障碍之一，对于由相互补充的实践构成的复杂技术组合而言尤其如此。信息通信技术正在兴起，以扩大农业培训的覆盖范围，并有望通过移动电话和智能手机以极低成本或零成本向农户传递信息。在本研究中，我们开发了一个低成本的数字化推广平台，通过基础功能手机上基于短信的聊天群组促进同伴间学习。我们采用随机对照试验，将该平台与单向短信推广项目进行比较，评估其在促进有益农业实践采用方面的有效性。我们测量到，处理对采用聊天群组中讨论的实践具有较强的正向效应，使间作和有机肥生产分别提高11—18个百分点和15个百分点，这表明简单的群组讨论论坛可以成为数字化推广举措的有力补充。然而，在研究期间，聊天群组参与度有所下降，凸显了设计能够维持用户参与的技术干预措施所面临的挑战。
Abstract
Information constraints rank high among barriers to agricultural technology adoption among small-scale farmers, particularly for complex bundles of complementary practices. Information communication technologies are emerging to extend the reach of agricultural training, with potential to deliver information through mobile and smartphones at little or no cost to farmers. In this study, we develop a low-cost digital extension platform that facilitates peer-to-peer learning through SMS-based chat groups on basic feature phones. Using a randomized controlled trial, we evaluate its effectiveness in promoting the adoption of beneficial agricultural practices compared to a one-way SMS extension program. We measure strong positive effects of treatment on adoption of practices discussed in the chat groups, increasing intercropping and organic fertilizer production by 11–18 and 15 percentage points, respectively, suggesting that a simple group discussion forum can be a powerful addition to digital extension initiatives. However, chat group participation declined over the course of the study, underscoring the challenges of designing technological interventions that sustain user engagement.