Adoption of environmentally-friendly agricultural technologies amongst
smallholder farmers: The case of rocket barns technology in flue-cured
tobacco curing in Uganda
Abstract
Tobacco production and curing is the single most important contributor
to soil degradation and deforestation. To minimise the environmental
effects of tobacco production, the environmentally friendly, and
energy-efficient rocket barns technology was developed. In spite of its
energy saving and environmental benefits, the adoption of rocket barns
remains low and understudied. This paper assessed farmers perception and
factors affecting the adoption of rocket barn technology. Data was
collected using in a cross-sectional survey using structured
questionnaires were from 242 Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers
in Uganda. Analysed was done using SPSS and STATA software. Results show
that the adoption of rocket barn technology was low, at 12%, with
farmers. Farmers perceived adopting the rocket barns technology to be
risky and costly. Experience, training, distance to wood fuel, access to
extension information, and benefits and risk perceptions were the major
determinants of adoption of rocket barns technology. Promotion and
adoption of rocket barns technology will require concerted sensitization
and training of farmers on the environmental benefits of rocket barn
technology. Emphasis such efforts should target the relatively young and
inexperienced FCV tobacco farmers.