Determinants and intensity of adoption of “better cotton” as an innovative cleaner production alternative

Abstract

In view of adverse socioeconomic and environmental effects of conventional cotton, “better cotton” was introduced by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) in Pakistan in 2009. “Better cotton” (BC) is an innovative cleaner cotton production alternative to conventional cotton because of its efficient resource use and lower environmental externalities. As this agricultural technology constitutes of various components, the adoption should not be taken as a whole; the intensity of adoption is more appropriate. However, there is a dearth of research on the intensity of adoption overall and specifically of BC production practices as recommended by BCI and, therefore made the rationale for this research. The field survey, covering 161 “better cotton” farmers, was carried out in Punjab province of Pakistan. The intensity of adoption of BC practices was examined based on an actual number of practices used by farmers, and its determinants were analyzed using truncated regression.Results of the analyses of the intensity of adoption of “better cotton” practices involving land preparation and sowing, crop management, and picking and post-harvest practices displayed clear variations negating the previous practice of considering adoption as a whole. The only significant factor positively affecting the adoption intensity across the three practice groups was information access from formal sources. Hence, the knowledge and training provided by formal organizations played a significant role in the use of “better” practices. The findings of this research highlighted that adoption of an innovation and its promotion for sustainable development requires careful assessment of the nature of technology. Policy recommendations are made for analyses of technological innovation research, and to promote the production of BC in Pakistan by focusing on knowledge dissemination, trainings, and regular interaction with farmers. These findings are also suitable for other agricultural technologies as well as areas with similar biophysical and environmental conditions for agriculture in South Asia and beyond.