Factors that determine adoption of modern agricultural technologies among crop farmers in Uganda

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing agricultural technology adoption among crop farmers in Uganda, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, resource access, and geographical factors. Using a Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) model to analyze survey data collected during the Annual Agricultural Survey, respondents across multiple districts, key findings reveal that age, sex, marital status, education, region, farmer group membership, farm size, cooperative membership, distance to market, access to extension services, and access to credit all significantly affect technology adoption. Older farmers, males, and those with lower education levels were less likely to adopt technologies, while unmarried individuals, larger households, and cooperative members showed higher adoption rates. The study also found that farmers located further from markets and those in the Northern and Western regions faced significant adoption challenges. Access to extension services and credit positively influenced the likelihood of technology adoption, highlighting the importance of support services and financial access in promoting innovation uptake. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted interventions to improve technology adoption, including region-specific support, increasing access to extension services and credit, promoting cooperative membership, and improving infrastructure to reduce market access barriers. The recommendations aim to foster more inclusive technology adoption, particularly for marginalized farmer groups.