Learning about a New Technology: Pineapple in Ghana

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2010
Volume: 100
Issue: 1
Pages: 35-69

Authors (2)

Timothy G. Conley (not in RePEc) Christopher R. Udry (Northwestern University)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of social learning in the diffusion of a new agricultural technology in Ghana. We use unique data on farmers' communication patterns to define each individual's information neighborhood. Conditional on many potentially confounding variables, we find evidence that farmers adjust their inputs to align with those of their information neighbors who were surprisingly successful in previous periods. The relationship of these input adjustments to experience further indicates the presence of social learning. In addition, applying the same method to input choices for another crop, of known technology, correctly indicates an absence of social learning effects. (JEL D83, O13, O33, Q16)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:100:y:2010:i:1:p:35-69
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25