Characteristics of early adoption and non-adoption of alternative catfish production technologies in the U.S.

Abstract

U.S. catfish producers have been exploring the adoption of alternative-production technologies (intensive-aeration, in-pond raceways, and split-pond systems) in recent years for achieving cost efficiencies. A multi-state (Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi) survey was conducted to identify specific reasons influencing the decisions of producers whether or not to adopt these alternative catfish production technologies. High yield and greater control over the production process were the major reasons for the adoption of alternative catfish production technologies. High investment costs and increased risks associated with these technologies were the main reasons for not adopting new technologies. Early adopters had significantly larger farms, greater numbers of ponds, and a significantly greater percentage of use of hybrid catfish. Econometric analysis suggested that characteristics of the technology such as productivity, perceived risk, and adoption costs, influenced early adoption decisions. Institutional factors such as prior involvement in Extension/research programs and farm characteristics of the scale of operation also shaped adoption decisions. Understanding the characteristics (of the technology, farms, and producers) that lead to greater adoption, may provide guidance to increase the rate of successful transfer of new technologies to fish producers.

Keywords:

• In-pond raceways
• intensive aeration
• logit
• split ponds
• technology adoption

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the catfish producers from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi who furnished farm information for the survey.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC) Grant no. [2012-38500-19665] from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and USDA-NIFA [Hatch Project Accession Number 1013160] for funding this work. Errors or omissions are the sole responsibilities of the authors.