Rate and sequence of adoption of improved cereal technologies : the case of rainfed barley in the Mexican altiplano

The latter approach is adopted in this case study of the technology adoption rate and sequence among barley farmers in Mexico"s Altiplano. Following a review of the study area and data collection methods, technology characteristics believed to influence farmers" adoption decisions are outlined. Evidence from on-farm experiments is used to rank technology components according to these characteristics and hence predict the rate and sequence of adoption. Longitudinal farm survey data are then used to examine actual adoption patterns over 10-15 years for five mechanical and three biological technology components and to draw conclusions regarding the effects of interactions among components and the question of adoption of single technologies versus technology packages. It was found that most farmers have mechanized their land preparation and harvesting and adopted biochemical technologies, especially in the wetter zones. Factors favoring mechanization were the high cost of hand and animal methods and the availability of rented machinery; topography is a limiting factor, especially where barley is intercropped with maguey. Biochemical components were adopted singly in accordance with their rate of return on capital. It is concluded that small farmers eventually follow the same technology adoption path as large farmers and that technology packages should be presented in a step-wise sequence, beginning with the most profitable and adaptable techniques. Research priorities should be based on profitability rather than yield increase. Finally, although the private sector has been a major factor in promoting farm mechanization and biochemical components, the public sector has provided strong incentives for change by introducing new barley varieties and providing credit, inputs, and favorable pricing policies.