Gender differences in adopting agricultural innovations: The case of five African countries

Agriculture is a vital sector for most African countries; however, it continues to face challenges of persistently low productivity, contributing to widespread poverty and food insecurity. Gender-related disparities in the adoption of agricultural innovations may influence both adoption rates and overall productivity in the sector. This study examines the role of gender, altruism, and gender norms in shaping innovation adoption, using a dataset of 4,529 smallholder farmers from five African countries. The findings indicate that gender plays a significant role in the adoption of nutrient-dense crops, reflecting female farmers' prioritization of family well-being. Although no direct link between altruism and innovation adoption is identified, strong gender norms are found to amplify female farmers' intention to adopt agricultural innovations. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between gender norms, altruism, and innovation adoption, offering practical implications for researchers and policymakers aiming to improve agricultural productivity and promote gender equity.