Impact Evaluation of Alternative Irrigation Technology in Crete: Correcting for Selectivity Bias

Abstract The interest in promoting food and water security through development projects has led to the need evaluate impact of these projects. This study evaluates from transitioning a modern irrigation technology. Deciding adopt or not an alternative technology (sprinklers) is necessarily random determination. Therefore, selection bias can be present this lead biased estimates. In study, we apply methodological specifications correct for self-selectivity biases. Then, measure compare technical efficiency scores adopters non-adopters. empirical application uses data covering 56 small-scale greenhouse farms Crete (Greece) cropping years 2009-2013. results reveal that average farmers who adopted sprinkler lower than group non-adopters, when presence selectivity cannot rejected. implies either more time incorporate know-how newly acquired they become less motivated after adoption. Consequently, agricultural saving technologies promoted combination with support farmers, so cope performance first