Factors for adoption and abandonment of conservation agriculture systems in the high valleys of México
Abstract
Under the conditions found in México, it is necessary to increase agricultural productivity with sustainable technologies such as farming systems based on the principles of conservation agriculture (CA). However, although the benefits of this technology have already been shown, until today it has rarely been tested and adopted by small and medium producers, and some have abandoned it during this process. Current studies are focused on analyzing factors for adoption, and they almost do not discuss the factors for abandonment. The objective of this study was to understand the adoption factors and, at the same time, determine the causes for abandoning the CA system in México. The research was based on semi-structured interviews, field observations and informal interviews with producers in México’s High Valleys. The results show that the adoption factors are, primarily, greater fertility and texture of the soil, and a reduction in production costs. The abandonment factors are related mainly with the lack of technical accompaniment and uncertainty regarding the use of the plot. Finally, the lack of appropriate machinery for CA, such as sowers, becomes a restriction for adoption of the system, but not the cause for abandonment. In order to facilitate the adoption of CA, it is advisable to include the local authorities in the process of technological innovation, to attain local support.
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