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Purpose: This study finds that the impact of social networks, specifically interactions and knowledge sharing among farmers, influences the adoption of agricultural innovation.Methodology: Using an extensive social network dataset from 1,392 households across 93 villages in Central and Northeast Thailand, the study investigates the adoption of five key rice production technologies. A multivariate probit regression model identifies factors influencing correlated adoption decisions, emphasizing various positions within farmers’ networks.Findings: Farmers occupying more central positions within the network, measured by various centrality metrics, are 4–9% more likely to adopt new technologies. This effect is especially pronounced among those who maintain a greater number of connections and play a key role in disseminating information.Practical Implications: Farmers who actively share information with others are significantly more likely to adopt, underscoring that being a source of knowledge within the network has a more decisive influence than merely being a recipient. These findings highlight the importance of fostering active information sharing among farmers to accelerate innovation.Theoretical Implication: The study presents the theoretically robust impacts of social networks on technology adoption decisions for multiple correlated technologies.Originality: The study emphasizes the importance of outward-oriented social connections, showing their distinct influence on farmers’ technology adoption behavior.
Park et al. (Thu,) studied this question.