How Sustainable Are Benefits from Extension for Smallholder Farmers? Evidence from a Randomized Phase-Out of the BRAC Program in Uganda

Ram Fishman (), Stephen Smith, Vida Bobic and Munshi Sulaiman ()
Additional contact information
Ram Fishman: Tel Aviv University
Vida Bobic: George Washington University
Munshi Sulaiman: BRAC University

No 10641, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Many development programs are based on short-term interventions, either because of external funding constraints or because it is assumed that impacts persist post program termination ("sustainability"). Using a novel randomized phase-out research method, we provide experimental tests of the effects of program phase-out in the context of a large-scale agricultural input subsidy and extension program operated by the NGO BRAC to increase the use of improved seed varieties and basic farming practices among women smallholders in Uganda. We find that while supply of improved seeds through local, BRAC trained women declined, demand does not diminish, and farmers shift purchases from BRAC to market sources, indicating a persistent learning effect. We also find no evidence of declines in the practice of improved and less costly cultivation techniques taught by the program. These results have implications for both efficient program design and for models of technology adoption.

Keywords: agricultural extension; agricultural technology adoption; food security; supply chain; subsidies; randomized phase-out; Uganda (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I32 O13 O33 Q12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 62 pages
Date: 2017-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr and nep-dev
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Working Paper: How Sustainable Are Benefits from Extension for Smallholder Farmers? Evidence from a Randomised Phase-Out of the BRAC Program in Uganda (2017)
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