Factors that Influence the Rate and Intensity of Adoption of Improved Irrigation Technologies in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Despite the importance of adopting improved irrigation technologies to increase on-farm irrigation efficiency, our understanding of what determines farmers’ adoption decisions in southern Alberta remains relatively poor. The overall goals of this study are to examine the extent of adoption (proportion of all irrigators that have started the adoption process), how far along they are in the adoption process, and the intensity of adoption (percentage of irrigated land on which the technology is adopted) of improved irrigation technologies in southern Alberta, and to assess the major factors that influenced farmers’ adoption decisions. The data were collected in a farm-household survey conducted in the 12 largest irrigation districts (IDs) as well as among private irrigators in southern Alberta. Results show that adoption of improved irrigation technologies is widespread at various levels of intensity. By 2011, 81.3% of farmers had started the adoption process, are now using some kind of improved technology to apply water to their crops, and used it on 76.8% of all irrigated land. The most commonly used irrigation technology is a low pressure center pivot system. Receiving support services following the adoption decision played an important role in increasing the intensity of adoption. Obtaining information on irrigation technologies from individual farmers or farmers’ associations, and extension agencies significantly influenced farmers’ decisions to adopt. Farmers who increased their social capital through attending meetings related to agricultural production practices were more likely to adopt while farmers who participated in recreational or social organizations were less likely to adopt. Finally, the extent and intensity of adoption are higher for those with corporate farm structure, larger families, more generations of ownership and higher education.