Dissemination of Technological Innovations of Livestock in Bangladesh: Adoption Levels and Behavioral Precision

Abstract

The study investigated the technological innovations in livestock, their dissemination and adoption performance at farm level. Thirty-two researchers were interviewed for innovated technologies. Four ecologically representative study locations were selected, and 180 livestock households were interviewed for adoption. Logistic regression analysis and behavioral precision index were the major analytical techniques. Technologies were disseminated through adaptive research or field trial, training to the farmers, extension workers and farmer’s visit to government offices. Crossbred cattle, red Chittagong cattle and vaccine for foot and mouth disease were widely adopted technologies and farmers preferred breeding-related technologies rather than health treatments. Farmers having higher education and income and contact with extension agents were significantly (p < 0.05) higher adopters than the lower education, income and no extension agents, respectively. But adoption score was significantly lower in hilly land and in river-flooded land (p < 0.01) than adoption score in peri-urban location. Farmers having experience 10–24 years and more than 25 years were 2.293 times and 3.59 times, respectively, more likely to adopt technologies compared to less than 10 years experienced. Internalization, legitimation, systemization, skill set workability and differentiation were the top ranking statements of the farmers in their behavioral precision on technology adoption. Farmer’s demand and capability to implement technology should be realized. Extension visits to farmers, intensified training programs for the rural youths and well organization among the various livestock partners should be buildup for better adoption.