Analysis of enablers and constraints to adoption
Understanding the enablers and constraints associated with the uptake of a new practice, beyond its research feasibility, is fundamental to adoption planning. This understanding provides us with evidence that a practice warrants consideration by our target audience. Just as importantly it provides producers with information that will help them with their decision making around the suitability of the practice. However, collecting data about enablers and constraints is not straightforward. It requires time and effort and the application of different disciplines and methods.
Economics, social science, behavioural science, industrial engineering and demography are some of the disciplines used (either individually or in combination) when considering the two aspects most critical to the uptake of a new practice: relative advantage and trialability.
Relative advantage refers to a producer’s perception that a new practice is better than an existing one. This perception can be influenced by a range of economic, social, and environmental factors. Trialability considers how easy or difficult it is for a producer to incorporate the new practice within their farming system. Enabling/constraining factors associated with trialability include observability, complexity and support (Pannell et al., 2006).
This resource is designed to increase your ability in gaining insights about the relative advantage and trialability of practices you are considering as part of an adoption plan. The tools and processes suggested in this resource will assist you in deciding whether to proceed with extension activities and provide valuable knowledge for producers considering change.
