This paper describes the participatory approach and methods that ICRAF and partner-institutions use of assessing the adoption potential of agroforestry practices, that is, their biophysical performance, profitability, and acceptability to farmers. The information required for assessing adoption potential is presented. Three types of on-farm trials-- researcher-designed and managed, researcher-designed and farmer-managed, and farmer-designed and managed -- are examined and their relative suitability for different objectives is assessed. Next, methods for assessing adoption potential are presented, using seven case studies from four study areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, an example is presented of comparing the adoption potential of improved tree fallows across sites for assessing the boundary conditions of the practice, that is, the circumstances that determine whether the practice is likely to be adopted. Assessments of adoption potential improve the efficiency of the technology development and dissemination process, help document the progress made in disseminating new practices, demonstrate the impact of investing in technology development, facilitate inter-institutional cooperation, and help to identify the factors contributing to successful technology development programs as well as the constraints limiting the achievements.
Publication year
2000
Authors
Franzel, S.; Scheer S J; Cooper P J M; Place F; Coe, R.
Language
English
Keywords
agroforestry, data collection, innovation adoption, participatory approaches, technology transfer
