Diffusion Theory
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY 1560–8530/2005/07–6–1040–1043 http://www.ijab.org
Continuing Education Article Assessing Probable Success: Applying Rogers ' "Diffusion of Innovations" Theory to Agroforestry
MIRZA B. BAIG1, GARY S. STRAQUADINE†, MICHAEL R. WHITEMAN‡ AND M. AZHAR NAEEM¶
University of Guelph, Canada, current address: Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan †Utah State University, UMC– 1435, Logan Utah, USA, ‡University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho–83844, USA ¶University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan 1 Corresponding author’s e-mail: drbaig2@yahoo.ca
ABSTRACT
"Diffusion of Innovations," E.M. Rogers ' theory on the process of adoption of new ideas and technology, has served as a basis of successful extension strategies in agricultural development for many years. This paper discusses this theory and applies it to agroforestry as an innovation. This application provides insights into agroforestry extension strategies and approaches. Key Words: Diffusion of Innovations; E.M. Rogers; Agroforestry; Extension
INTRODUCTION
Changes to improve the quality of lives among rural populations have long been the concern and goal of extension efforts around the world. Improved technologies, more efficient and effective methods of production practices are just a few of the innovations that extensionists have promoted in rural areas to enhance standards of living in developing countries (Van den Ban & Hawkins, 1996; Marsh & Pannell, 1998; Temu et al., 2003). An ever present concern of extensionists is finding strategies that encourage adoption of innovations. This paper discusses one theory of adoption of innovations, how this theory is applied to development of extension strategies and how it can be used in agroforestry extension efforts. Adoption/Diffusion theory. The adoption of innovations, such as growing trees with traditional crops or grazing land, has been the subject of extensive study to determine how and why
Continuing Education Article Assessing Probable Success: Applying Rogers ' "Diffusion of Innovations" Theory to Agroforestry
MIRZA B. BAIG1, GARY S. STRAQUADINE†, MICHAEL R. WHITEMAN‡ AND M. AZHAR NAEEM¶
University of Guelph, Canada, current address: Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan †Utah State University, UMC– 1435, Logan Utah, USA, ‡University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho–83844, USA ¶University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan 1 Corresponding author’s e-mail: drbaig2@yahoo.ca
ABSTRACT
"Diffusion of Innovations," E.M. Rogers ' theory on the process of adoption of new ideas and technology, has served as a basis of successful extension strategies in agricultural development for many years. This paper discusses this theory and applies it to agroforestry as an innovation. This application provides insights into agroforestry extension strategies and approaches. Key Words: Diffusion of Innovations; E.M. Rogers; Agroforestry; Extension
INTRODUCTION
Changes to improve the quality of lives among rural populations have long been the concern and goal of extension efforts around the world. Improved technologies, more efficient and effective methods of production practices are just a few of the innovations that extensionists have promoted in rural areas to enhance standards of living in developing countries (Van den Ban & Hawkins, 1996; Marsh & Pannell, 1998; Temu et al., 2003). An ever present concern of extensionists is finding strategies that encourage adoption of innovations. This paper discusses one theory of adoption of innovations, how this theory is applied to development of extension strategies and how it can be used in agroforestry extension efforts. Adoption/Diffusion theory. The adoption of innovations, such as growing trees with traditional crops or grazing land, has been the subject of extensive study to determine how and why
References: Baig, M.B., G. Akbar, G.S. Straquadine and A. Razzaq, 1999a. Agroforestry extension and technology transfer to farmers in Pakistan. Sci. Vision, 5: 42–50 Baig, M.B., G.S. Straquadine, C.H. Antholt, W.S. Sleight and J.O. Derry, 1999b. Agricultural extension and technology transfer in Asian countries: A review of the key issues. Sci. Technol. Develop., 18: 39– 50 Baig, M.B., M.A. Khan and M.I. Sultani, 1998. Agro forestry as a farming system in Pakistan: Potential and Problems. Sci. Vision, 3: 25–34 Baig, M.B., M.A. Khan and M.I. Sultani, 1999c. Factors facilitating or impeding success of agro forestry projects in developing countries. Sci. Technol. Dev., 18: 9–14 Bunnell, P., 1988. Guidelines for Forestry Extension. Vancouver, B.C., Canada: Environmental and Social Supports Analysts Ltd (ESSA). Burch, W.R. Jr., 1984. An interpretation of discussion at a workshop on human factors affecting forestry/fuel wood projects: an agenda for research and development. USAID Report. Washington, D.C., USA Burch, W.R. Jr., 1994. Our theme: Thinking social scientifically about agroforestry. In: Burch, W.R. and J.K. Parker (eds.), Social Science Applications in Asian Agroforestry. pp. 3–16. USA: Winrock International and South Asia Books. (Received 12 April 2005; Accepted 30 August 2005) 1043