Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Sweet Potatoes Varieties in Developing Countries: Literature Review

TL;DR

This review explores what influences farmers in developing countries to adopt improved sweet potato varieties, highlighting key factors and research gaps.

Contribution

The paper systematically categorizes adoption factors and identifies methodological gaps in existing research on sweet potato variety adoption.

Findings

Key factors include socio-economic traits, agronomic performance, and access to extension services.

Most studies use quantitative methods, neglecting temporal and behavioral dynamics.

Barriers like market instability and regional disparities hinder adoption despite training and education.

Abstract

This literature review examines the factors influencing the adoption of improved sweet potato varieties (ISPVs) in developing countries. Drawing on 17 studies conducted primarily in Africa and South Asia, the review categorizes influencing factors into socio‐economic, institutional, agronomic, post‐harvest, psychological, geographic, environmental, and consumption‐related domains. It highlights critical variables, including age, farm size, extension services, group membership, and agronomic traits such as yield and drought tolerance. The findings show that most studies rely on quantitative methods and cross‐sectional designs, often neglecting temporal changes in farmers' behaviors and risk aversion. Despite the positive influence of training, education, and extension services, adoption barriers persist due to market instability and regional disparities. Notably, the review highlights the lack of integration between qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well as the absence of longitudinal studies to explore dynamic adoption patterns. Researchers are advised to explore mixed methods approaches and consider longitudinal analysis and risk aversion factors to better understand the evolving determinants of ISPVs adoption.

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