Patterns of sustainable agriculture adoptionnon-adoption in Panamá

• Main Author: Cochran, Jason
• Other Authors: Bonnell, Robert (advisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 2003
• Subjects: Agricultural extension work > Panama > Veraguas (Province).; Sustainable agriculture > Panama > Veraguas (Province).
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=80240

The promoter system of agriculture extension has been widely studied and accepted as a tool for agriculture development where local resources are scarce. Much development work has been done in Panama using the promoter model. In order to ascertain the local success of this model, promoters trained by World Vision were visited. The adoption of sustainable agriculture practices were measured in five communities where 7 promoters were trained and placed in Veraguas, Panama. Despite the long-term presence of World Vision and trained promoters, only six farmers have adopted at least one sustainable agriculture technique as a result of these extension efforts. Low adoption rates do not necessarily indicate project failure, but does indicate several barriers. These barriers are explored as well as reasons farmers gave for land use. Reasons for S/A use are also explored. Finally, recommendations for improving extension methods and future research are made.