Neighbours and extension agents in Ethiopia: who matters more for technology diffusion?

Improving agricultural productivity is seen as vital to economic growth in poor countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where productivity growth has lagged behind that of other continents. The focus has therefore been on new technologies, particularly the adoption and diffusion of improved seed varieties and the increased use of fertiliser, supported by investments in effective extension services. It is important to understand how these new technologies spread and the effectiveness of extension services in this process.