Small farmers’ adoption behaviour: Uptake of elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

A significant proportion (50.5%) of small farmers in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, favor using chilli pepper as an effective elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovation (ECDI). This finding highlights the potential for ECDIs to mitigate human-elephant conflict while underscoring the importance of participatory approaches and strong linkages between farmers, scientists, and extension agencies. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, to examine adoption behavior across two communities (Gudigwa and Eretsha). Key determinants of adoption included farmers' perceptions, innovation trial-ability, complexity, and effectiveness.

Noga, S. R., Kolawole, O. D., Thakadu, O., & Masunga, G. (2015). Small farmers’ adoption behaviour: Uptake of elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 7(6), 408–419. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2015.1096511