A Systematic Review Of The Efficacy Of Theories Used To Understand Farmers’ Technology Adoption Behavior In Lower-To-Middle-Income Countries
Date
2023
Authors
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Publisher
Development Studies Research
Abstract
A systematic review was conducted to identify the relevant theoretical approaches used to explain
farmer technology adoption in low- and middle-income countries (LMICS), and their strengths and
weaknesses. The Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched. 77 articles were finally included.
The analysis was based on the following categorization of the theoretical approaches applied: (1)
Diffusion theories, (2) User acceptance theories, (3) Decision-making theories, and (4) Personality
theories, and (5) organizational structure theories. The analysis indicated that diffusion theories
predicted technology adoption but excluded social determinants. User acceptance theories
predicted social determinants of adoption intention but not behaviors. Decision-making
theories identified measurement variables related to different adoption behaviors but did not
consider influential psychological factors, implying that only economic factors affected
adoption behavior). Personality theories were sometimes complex, resulting in weak
predictability of adoption and behaviors. Organizational structure theories emphasized social
structure variables but included variables not relevant to the investigation of specific adoption
practices. In conclusion, the predictive and explanatory capability of different theoretical
approaches depended on the context of agricultural technology adoption.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
agricultural technology, theoretical approaches, economics