Farmers’ Demand and the Traits and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries

Karen Macours · 2019 · Annual Review of Resource Economics

Summary. Agricultural innovations developed by international research often fail adoption among smallholder farmers in developing countries despite yield potential. This review examines why, analyzing technology traits and farmer constraints. Farmers frequently prioritize reducing variance, water use, or labor over maximizing yields. When external constraints ease, farmers reallocate resources in ways that don't increase yield intensity. Agronomical trial results poorly predict actual farmer demand in real conditions, requiring research and policy adjustments.

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@article{macours-2019-farmers-demand-traits-diffusion-agricultural,
  title   = {Farmers’ Demand and the Traits and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries},
  author  = {Karen Macours},
  journal = {Annual Review of Resource Economics},
  year    = {2019},
  doi     = {10.1146/annurev-resource-100518-094045},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-resource-100518-094045}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Farmers’ Demand and the Traits and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries
AU  - Karen Macours
JO  - Annual Review of Resource Economics
PY  - 2019
DO  - 10.1146/annurev-resource-100518-094045
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-resource-100518-094045
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1146/annurev-resource-100518-094045

Countries

France

Regions

Europe

Categories

agtech, innovation-theory, policy

Added

2026-04-28