Rice varietal selection in Bangladesh: Does it matter who in the farm household makes the decisions?

Abstract

AbstractThis paper examines whether rice adoption decision differs between sole decision-making and collaborative decision-making in which household members jointly decide on rice varietal selection. Overall, the results show that the majority of rice farmers currently cultivate older rice varieties. The average varietal age is 22 years. Adopters and non-adopters are significantly different in several observed characteristics; however, most of the differences are small. Specifically, between adopter and non-adopters, there is a statistically significant difference in the average varietal age of rice grown, the number of plots owned, varietal trait preferences, seed sources, contact with agricultural extension agents and risk preference. The results of the double-hurdle regression estimation are unconvincing for a difference between household decision-making structures, indicating that it does not matter who in the farm household makes the decisions on rice varietal selection. To encourage the adoption of improved rice varieties and reduce the average varietal age, the focus should be on improving access to agricultural land and extension contact. Besides, aligning varietal trait with farmers’ preferences and organising farm demonstrations is crucial.