Beyond Aggregate Adoption: Determinants and Heterogeneity in the Uptake of Scientific Poultry Management Practices in Ajmer, India

Abstract

The adoption of scientifically recommended management practices is critical for enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of smallholder poultry farming. While aggregate adoption rates are often reported, the heterogeneity among farmers remains poorly understood. This study moves beyond a monolithic view to analyze the spectrum of adoption and its determinants among poultry farmers in Ajmer District, India, a leading poultry-producing region. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations theory, we assessed adherence to 21 key practices across housing, feeding, watering, and lighting. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a random sample of 322 farmers and analyzed using one-sample t-tests to compare actual practices against scientific benchmarks. Our findings reveal that, in aggregate, farmers adhered to 75% of the recommended practices. However, cluster analysis uncovered significant heterogeneity, segmenting farmers into three distinct adopter categories: High Adopters (23%), Medium Adopters (73%), and Low Adopters (4%). Critically, practices related to feed rationing and cage stocking density showed the lowest compliance, indicating specific areas for intervention. The study concludes that the predominance of the medium-adopter group represents a substantial opportunity for productivity gains. We propose a differentiated extension strategy: leveraging High Adopters as peer champions, nudging the large Medium Adopter cohort through targeted training and incentives, and providing intensive support to Low Adopters via subsidies and demos. This nuanced understanding of adoption heterogeneity provides a robust framework for designing more effective, evidence-based agricultural extension policies in India and other developing economies.