FACTORS DRIVING THE ADOPTION OF MAIZE SILAGE AND INSIGHTS TO IMPROVE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES TOWARDS SMALL-SCALE DAIRY FARMERS IN CENTRAL MEXICO

Abstract

Background. Small-scale dairy farms play an important role in supporting livelihoods in both developing and developed countries.  Objective. The aim of the research was to identify the determinants of adoption of maize silage and insights to improve extension activities towards smallholders in central Mexico. Methodology. A detailed study was conducted with 48 farmers who were already engaged with the use of the innovation. First, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted and subsequently, farmers were divided into three groups. To identify differences among groups, parametric and non-parametric analyses were conducted. Results. Farmers’ intention was influenced by experience, milk yield and land sown to maize. Findings suggested that farmers’ decision to use the innovation was based on usefulness in Group 3, importance in both groups 1 and 2, increases both in profitability and milk yield in Groups 2 and 3. However, high initial investment and rent of machinery during the harvest season were observed as major constrains. Implications. The study identified determinants to use and adopt maize silage by smallholders and provided insights to improve extension activities towards non-users. Thus, this paper added to the growing body of evidence on information towards a better understanding of factors driving farmers’ decisions to adopt an innovation and highlighted some extension approaches to be tested on the field. Conclusions. It was concluded that the hitherto unnoticed maize silage can be a suitable innovation to farmers without studies, with small farm size and low availability of land.