Does Adoption of Improved Variety Encourage Farmers to Invest in Modern Inputs and Use Good Practices? Evidence from Rice Farmers in Guinea

Abstract Iron toxicity is one of the constraints limiting rice production in Africa. This study used a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of an iron toxicity-tolerant variety, named ARICA 6, on different outcomes and investment in modern inputs by smallholder farmers. Two rounds of data were collected from 520 rice-farming households in Guinea. Results showed that the use of ARICA 6 increased rice yield by 330 kg ha −1 and net income by US$ 120 ha −1 . However, adoption of improved variety may not be enough to crowd in investment in modern inputs because farmers face other constraints.