Application of the environment-behavior-performance model in farming systems research—The case of small ruminant technology transfer

Abstract

The current agricultural development model relies heavily on the farming systems approach to research. Considerable attention has been given to on-farm testing of new crop technologies, while testing of livestock technologies remains a neglected topic. A behavioral model (Environment-Behavior-Performance) provides a framework to study design and transfer of new technologies. The model facilitates technology evaluation beyond the bare calculation of the economic profitability. It provides a simple institutional mechanism which may help research administrators and extension personnel speed up the process of diffusion and technology transfer. The example of the Outreach Pilot Project (OPP) program in Java, Indonesia, indicates that the model forces FSR practitioners to focus their attention on aspects of technology transfer and village level adoption of new livestock technologies hitherto neglected. This paper recognizes the role of the researcher in the technology transfer process.