Peer learning and technology adoption in a digital farmer-to-farmer network

Violet Lasdun, Aurélie Harou, Chris Magomba and Davíd Guereña

LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library

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.

Keywords: digital peer-to-peer farmer extension; information communication technology; peer learning; regenerative agriculture; Tanzania; technology adoption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O12 O13 Q16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 14 pages
Date: 2025-09-30
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp and nep-ict
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Published in Journal of Development Economics, 30, September, 2025, 176. ISSN: 0304-3878

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