Adoption of Improved Maize and Common Bean Varieties in Mozambique

ADOPTION OF IMPROVED MAIZE AND COMMON BEAN VARIETIES IN MOZAMBIQUE By Helder Lopes Household adoption of new agricultural technologies, including improved maize and bean varieties in Mozambique, is still relatively low. As a result, the average maize and common bean production remains low. This study identifies factors that are associated with households’ adoption of improved maize and bean varieties, using Trabalho de Inquérito Agrícola (TIA) 2007 data and the probit model to estimate the likelihood of household adoption of improved varieties of maize and common beans at both the national and regional levels. At the national level, the results indicate that household head’s education, access to extension services and credit are associated with the household’s adoption decision. However, association membership is negatively associated with the adoption decision. Education and extension are only statistically significant for the improved maize analysis. These findings suggest that households who had access to support services are more likely to adopt improved varieties. Household adoption of improved maize and bean varieties could be increased from the current 12% and 15% percent adoption rates, respectively, if 1) the current extension programs are strengthened to better respond to households’ information needs, as well as to serve more households in different geographical areas, and 2) household access’ to credit is expanded.