27
Views
4
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Optimal technology for different levels of managerial ability: A case study of maize cultivar selection

, &
Pages 501-511 | Published online: 27 Feb 2008
 

Abstract

The higher the genetic potential, the more reliant a cultivar will be on the creation of a favourable environment by man. The ability to create a favourable environment is partially a function of the farmer's managerial ability. Due to differences in managerial ability between developed and less developed agriculture, high yield varieties often perform more poorly than lower yield varieties in less developed agriculture and are also more risky.

Regression line graphics may be used to illustrate the effect of managerial ability on cultivar selection. Less sensitive cultivars, although often regarded as low yield cultivars, should be recommended in areas or on projects with lower yield potential or where the level of managerial ability is relatively low.

In less developed agriculture, farmers’ thresholds of resistance to setbacks are rather low. This makes risk behaviour a rational mode of behaviour. Thus, the optimal choice will be to select less risky cultivars that will produce, under less than ideal circumstances, higher yields than those cultivars regarded as high producers only under ideal conditions.

This principle also applies to many other facets of technology and should also continually be considered by advisers and planners in less developed regions.

Notes

University of Pretoria

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.