Where is my technology going? - Mapping of adoption of technologies and assessing diffusion pathways using geospatial technologies

Where is my technology going?

Mapping of adoption of technologies and assessing diffusion pathwaysusing geospatial technologies

Sander Zwart

Africa Rice Center, Cotonou

Rural landscape

Rural landscape

Demonstration site (2013)

Project intervention


Smart-valley demonstration site



Smart-valley demonstration site


Smart-valleys:Participatory low-cost development approach for rice-based systems in inland valleys that is easy to replicate.(drainage canals, field bunds, land levelling and where possible irrigation canals)

Project approach:Development of demonstration sites and stimulate diffusion and adoption.Training field technicians from national partners, extension services and NGO’s, as well as lead-farmers.

Achievements:60+ demonstration sites developed in Togo and Benin (2012-13)100+ field technicians trained100’s of farmers trained on-the-jobLarge-scale adoption observed (2014)


Adoption site (2014)


Site expansion(2014)

Project adoption










Project adoption











Project adoption











Project adoption


Large-scale adoption of Smart-valley approach takes place:

• Farmers expand existing demonstration sites• Farmers in demonstration sites develop new sites elsewhere• Farmers develop new sites supervised by trained field officers• Farmers develop new sites supervised by trained lead-farmers• Farmers copy the approach and develop sites without project

support• NGO’s and national agricultural development projects adopt the

approach and develop sites with farmers.










Project adoption


- Can we monitor adoption with geo-spatial techniques?

- Can we map and model the diffusion pathways?

- Can impact surveys be targeted better using geo-spatial information?

April 2, 2010 Gnatre demonstration site, Kara province, TOGO

Can we monitor adoption with geo-spatial techniques?

Inland valley boundary



December 30, 2013 Gnatre demonstration site, Kara province, TOGO




Inland valleyrice development

Upland rice development?







- Can we monitor adoption with geo-spatial techniques?

Object-based image classification + change detection analysisUsing high-resolution imagery.



- Can we map and model the diffusion pathways?

• Adoption takes place in inland valleys• Adoption take place close to

demonstration sites (buffers)• Adoption requires a road network (travel distances from

extension services)

Spatial analysis & modelling in GIS

Required: detailed inventory of adoption sitesand existing diffusion pathways

Can we map and model the diffusion pathways?



- Can impact surveys be targeted better using geo-spatial information?

?

Improved accuracy?Improved sample selection?

Presentations & Public Speaking

Where is my technology going? - Mapping of adoption of technologies and assessing diffusion pathways using geospatial technologies