Abstract
We investigate the role of overconfidence and trust in farmers' information-seeking behavior using a lab-in-the-field experiment in Ethiopia. Our results show that overconfidence is widespread among farmers in our sample, predicts less information-seeking, and is associated with an efficiency loss. Moreover, we find that farmers tend to seek more information from extension agents than from peer farmers and that information-seeking increases when the source is perceived as more knowledgeable. When aiming to increase the adoption of productivity-enhancing practices, farmers' overconfidence in their own information set and their trust in the quality of information shared should not be overlooked.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 79-122 |
Number of pages | 44 |
Journal | Economic Development and Cultural Change |
Volume | 72 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2023 |
Keywords
- AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
- RISK-TAKING
- IMPACT
- QUALITY
- TECHNOLOGIES
- INCENTIVES
- CONFIDENCE
- DIFFUSION
- KNOWLEDGE
- NETWORKS