Factors Affecting the Adoption of Stress-Tolerant Rice Varieties: Evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract

Climate change, through exposure to submergence, salinity, and droughts, affects crop production and leads to food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. Various climate-stress–tolerant rice varieties have been developed in many countries in the world to mitigate climate-related production losses. Despite the benefits of stress-tolerant rice varieties (STRVs), adoption rates are still low. This paper uses panel data from Bangladesh to analyse the factors influencing the adoption of STRVs. A random-effects probit model with the Mundlak approach is used to control for the farmer- and plot-level heterogeneities and to avoid the incidental parameters problem. The study finds that smallholder farmers are more inclined to adopt STRVs, proving that this technology is related to a type of adaptation in the form of adoption. The main drivers for adopting STRVs are information and knowledge transferred by extension workers, sharing knowledge by membership in an organisation, and learning from peers. Policy measures such as providing capacity enhancement activities, strengthening social capacity and local institutions, and implementing a site-specific policy are suggested to encourage the adoption of STRVs in climate-stress-prone areas.