Modeling information-sharing networks on agroforestry species in rural ethnic-based communities using ERGM

The adoption of agroforestry species offers a sustainable solution for regions devoid of forest cover by mitigating soil degradation, enhancing biodiversity, and boosting household income. Understanding how information about these practices disseminates through social networks is critical for promoting their adoption, particularly in regions like southern Ecuador. This study examines information-sharing networks among two ethnic groups—Saraguro and Mestizo-colonos—that differ in their engagement with agroforestry practices. Using an Exponential-Family Random Graph Model (ERGM), we uncover distinct network patterns in information exchange. Results reveal that information on less commercially valuable species is predominantly shared within homophilic (same-ethnicity) ties, while knowledge of commercially valuable species is centralized around a single actor from the Mestizo-colono group. Transitivity within ethnic groups highlights localized knowledge-sharing dynamics, whereas intergroup exchanges reflect divergent priorities and expertise. These findings underscore the role of social network structures in shaping the dissemination of agroforestry innovations and provide methodological insights into applying ERGM for understanding complex information flows in rural contexts.