In a 2022 study by Arsil et al., Indonesian rice farmers participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) regarding the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). The findings include SRI’s complexities in terms of utilization and application to farming. The study was developed with the help of the theory of diffusion of innovations.

SRI is an innovation anchored in sustainable knowledge and practices for local farmers’ plants, water, soil, and nutrients. 40 key informants from the islands of Bali and Java were selected for the FGDs from the recommendation of the local extension agents and farmer organizations. 

It was found that SRI adoption was perceived as an economic advantage while dis-adoptions were rooted in difficulties in changing traditional methods. It was concluded that the technology adoption is based on subjective evaluation and SRI dissemination must focus on informing potential users of its short- and long-run benefits.

Find out more here.

Reference: Arsil, P., Tey, Y., Brindal, M., Ardiansyah, Sumarni, E. & Masrukhi (2022). Perceived attributes driving the adoption of system of rice intensification: The Indonesian farmers’ view. Open Agriculture, 7(1), 217-225. https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2022-0080

Photo: (c) AFA

Article contributed by Charlene Esteban, ComDev Asia intern