Arabica Coffee-Based Farming System Development and Utilization in Bansalan, Davao Del Sur: Diffusion of Innovations Perspective

Abstract

This study examined the adoption and diffusion of the Arabica coffee-based farming system among members of the Gagpang Alegre Potato Small Farmers Association (GAPSFA) in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory (Rogers, 2003). A qualitative case study approach was applied, drawing on KIIs and FGDs with 12 farmer-adopters, interviews with the DA RFO XI research manager and personnel, and a document review, all of which were analyzed through pattern matching following Yin (2018).

Findings indicated that relative advantage and observability were the primary drivers of technology adoption, as reflected in increased income, visible farm improvements, and strong peer influence. Compatibility with local agroecological conditions and cultural practices further supported uptake, while perceived complexity of adopting the technology was abated through extension support. Trialability, particularly via demonstration farms, minimized uncertainty and encouraged participation. Adoption outcomes were shaped by adoption contextual factors as enabling conditions, including access to available financing, strong extension services, high market demand, and institutional trust. Interpersonal channels, especially farmer- to-farmer interactions and associations, emerged as the most effective diffusion pathway.

While adoption was sustained and widely diffused, financial and infrastructure constraints continued to limit full-scale implementation. The study concluded that effective agricultural technology diffusion depended on the alignment of innovation attributes, enabling adoption contexts, and appropriate diffusion mechanisms within a holistic, systems-based framework. It further highlighted the need to bridge the gap between research outputs and practical application through stronger knowledge-to-use systems and institutional support mechanisms. Accordingly, the study recommended strengthening access to financing, improving farm-to-market infrastructure, sustaining extension and technical support services, scaling demonstration-based learning platforms, leveraging farmer networks and associations, enhancing market systems and price transparency, integrating climate and risk management measures, and adopting value chain-oriented promotion strategies, grounding adoption interventions in economic evidence and farmer learning, and reinforcing Research for Development (R4D) linkages—including institutionalized technology readiness evaluation—to ensure that innovations are validated and prepared for wider commercialization and scaling.