Learning about a New Technology: Pineapple in Ghana
Timothy G. Conley, Christopher R. Udry
American Economic Review · 2010 · Volume 100 · Issue 1
Abstract
This paper investigates the role of social learning in the diffusion of a new agricultural technology in Ghana. We use unique data on farmers' communication patterns to define each individual's information neighborhood. Conditional on many potentially confounding variables, we find evidence that farmers adjust their inputs to align with those of their information neighbors who were surprisingly successful in previous periods. The relationship of these input adjustments to experience further indicates the presence of social learning. In addition, applying the same method to input choices for another crop, of known technology, correctly indicates an absence of social learning effects. (JEL D83, O13, O33, Q16)
Keywords
Search, Learning, Information and Knowledge, Communication, Belief, Economic Development: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Environment, Other Primary Products, Technological Change: Choices and Consequences, Diffusion Processes, Agricultural R&D, Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Extension Services
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