Lack of information is a key challenge faced by the developing countries when adopting modern technologies, said Dr Mushfiq Mobarak, professor of economics at Yale University.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune following a seminar on development economics in the capital yesterday, the economics expert talked about the potential challenges in behavioural changes among the rural population when adopting new technologies.
He mentioned traditional cooking stoves that are still used in the rural areas as an example.
“Indoor air pollution is caused by these traditional stoves which need biomass as fuel, and the pollution lead to respiratory infection. But not many people know that,” Prof Mobarak told the Dhaka Tribune. “The smoke created from burning biomass carries fine particles, and when you breathe the smoke in, those particles get into your lungs and cause irritation.”
Prof Mobarak said he is currently running research projects in Bangladesh, India, Malawi, Kenya, Brazil, Nepal and Uganda aiming to achieve improved welfare with increased and correct use of technologies in rural households as well as the agriculture sector.
“There is no penetration of improve stoves in rural Bangladesh. The best option is, of course, gas stoves, and but there are hardly any gas lines in the rural areas here. Gas canisters are available, but those are expensive.”
He said lack of money is also a challenge in adopting any technology. “When you are looking to promote a technology, you are competing with a traditional practice which may be free. However, the cheaper and traditional alternative is likely to have worse effects on health which will cause more expense in the long run.”
Social learning is the best way to adopt new technologies, especially in rural areas, he said. “Peer sources are most effective in disseminating information on new technologies. In my experience in field experiments, the better approach is to identify peer farmers, get them to use the new technologies and give them the responsibility to teach others. Providing performance-based incentives to adopt technology works too.”
The seminar was jointly organised by Brac Institute of Governance and Development and the International Growth Centre.
