Econometric Analysis of Factors Affecting Farmers' Adoption of Water Saving Technologies: A Case Study of Raised-bed Technology in Egypt

Abstract

This paper aims to present results of a socio-economic investigation into factors affecting the adoption of mechanized raised bed (MRB) technology in wheat production in Sharkia Governorate of Egypt. The sample consists of 70 wheat farming households, of which 50% had adopted the technology. One dependent and fourteen explanatory variables were selected. The dependent variable is a binary variable (either adoption or no adoption), while explanatory variables include age, education, family size, farming experience, number of work days spent by labor force, land ownership, practicing of off-farm activities, income level, access to credit, membership in community-based organizations, role of livestock, contact with extension officers, as well as knowledge of the technology and attitude towards it. Data were collected during the 2013-2014 growing season. The Binary Logistic Regression Model was applied and the data was analyzed using SPSS statistical package. Six of the selected variables were found to be highly to fairly significant in explaining wheat farmer's response to adoption of raised bed farming; these are knowledge of the technology, age, farming experience, education family size and land ownership. The test yielded a Chi-square of 6.615, with a p-value (significance) of 0.579, indicating a good fit for the estimated binary logistic regression model. Results provide important guidelines for policy formulation and decision making in regards to technology adoption drivers.