Evidence on the role of context for agricultural innovation and conservation

This dissertation aims to explore how agricultural innovation and policies can make agri-food systems more sustainable by assessing impacts and diffusion patterns of innovations, as well as policy impacts across geographic contexts. The first theme investigates the effectiveness of digital farm advisory services on farm level in improving knowledge, practice adoption, and agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers. Results from two randomized control trials show that the format of digital information delivery and study context significantly impacts its effectiveness. While SMS messages may be insufficient for conveying complex agricultural knowledge, multimedia content delivered through platforms like WhatsApp can be more successful among well-trained farmers. This highlights the importance of tailoring digital interventions to the specific context and the existing skillset of farmers. <br> The second theme of the research goes beyond farm-level impacts and explores the diffusion of agricultural innovations. Studying the spread of a plant health app in India reveals the critical role of network infrastructure in overcoming the digital divide, and that extension agents and peer-to-peer learning networks promote early and intensive use of the technology. Widening the scope, a global meta-analysis reveals that factors like land availability, access to capital, and existing knowledge are generally more critical for innovations that heavily rely on these factors. However, this effect diminishes in regions where these factors are already abundant. This underscores the importance of considering the local context when designing and promoting agricultural innovations. <br> The third topic of this research moves the focus from digital innovations towards broader policy considerations for sustainable rural development by assessing environmental implications of land management practices. Specifically, the trade-off between agricultural productivity and biodiversity are explored in a spatially explicit manner using mowing frequency in grasslands as an example. In addition, the effectiveness of REDD+ initiatives in mitigating climate change is examined. The studies highlight the need and provide tools for context-sensitive environmental policies. <br> Overall, the research emphasizes the importance of tailoring digital interventions, fostering network effects, and considering the local context for maximizing the impact of these technologies. The research also underscores the need for environmental policies that account for trade-offs and the importance of spatial policy targeting sustainable rural development.