Resumen de Farmers' preferences and the factors affecting their decision to improve maize crops in mexico
Blanca Isabel Sánchez Toledano
Mexico is one of the countries with the highest corn production in the world (24.6 million tons) (FAOSTAT, 2016). However, in some regions, the yields are very low (2.0 Tn.ha-1) compared to the national average (9.39 Tn.ha-1). Among the different strategies to improve productivity, the adoption of improved maize seeds can play an important role. However, the adoption of this type of seed in Mexico is still limited. The development of a seed sector that meets the needs of farmers is an opportunity to increase improved seed usage, productivity, and, thus, profitability of Mexican farmers. The main objective is to analyze farmers¿ opinions and attitudes towards the improved seeds adoption. To achieve this objective, we followed a methodological approach in three phases. Data was gathered from face-to-face survey with 200 corn farmers conducted in January and March 2015. The survey was carried out in Chiapas, one of the states with the largest area planted with maize in Mexico and the highest percentage of marginal corn outcomes. In the first phase, we analyzed farmers¿ decision at the production level. We also studied farmers¿ heterogeneity by analyzing their socioeconomic characteristics and those of their farms, attitudes and opinions towards improved seeds, their perceived risk preferences and their objectives when managing their farm. Results showed the presence of three types of farmers: "In transition," who do not fully appreciate the potential of improved seeds (52.5%); "Conservatives," with a negative perception of improved seeds (18.5%); and "Innovators," with a positive perception (29%). Each of the identified segments has its commercial strategy with differentiated objectives, although the economic objectives prevail over the rest.
In the second phase, we identified the key attributes as the main determining factors when selecting the improved varieties of maize seeds. We also indentified the farmers¿ willingness to pay (WTP) for each attribute and analyzed their observed heterogeneity, while taking into account several socio-economic variables. The analysis reflected that the improved seed varieties were more preferred than the Creole alternative varieties, showing a heterogeneous WTP to ensure higher yields, resistance to diseases, and larger ear size. Finally, in the last phase, we examined the determinants of the adoption rate of the improved seeds using a survival analysis. Approximately the decision of the 60% of farmers who adopted was over a period of 10 years. Young farmers with few family members and several agricultural generations that exhibited positive attitudes towards innovation and with low risk perception are likely to adopt the new varieties. Results showed that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 negatively affected the adoption rate of improved seeds. Results showed low knowledge level of farmers towards the advantages of improved seeds. It is necessary to improve extension tools for the efficient use of sustainable agricultural inputs and practices to accelerate the process of adopting improved seeds and to facilitate access to financing and insurance.
