‘To Adopt or not to Adopt?’ Legume Adoption in Maize‐Based Systems of Northern Thailand: Constraints and Potentials

摘要: A considerable growth in the maize (Zea mays L.) sector Southeast Asia has resulted a rapid expansion and intensification of monoculture on sloping uplands. This practice entailed heavy use fertilisers, leading to environmental degradation farmers' indebtedness. Intercropping legumes with could complement or replace fertiliser inputs; however legume adoption by smallholder farmers remains low. study investigates constraints potentials integrate maize-based cropping systems such environments. comparative between monocropping maize/legume relay was carried out two villages Thailand, using surveys, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools interviews. The results demonstrated that both were equally profitable, although yield lower than monocropping. Low selling price most cited reason non-adopters for not introducing legumes. Selling grains, ease harvesting, marketability growing four main criteria determined adopters' choice species. Among cultivated legumes, ricebean (Vigna umbellata best fulfilled Establishing as an alternative under rainfed conditions can decrease risks, due reduced expenses farm inputs similar economic returns. generated useful information agricultural policy makers development practitioners identifying barriers facilitating factors influence decision adopt shape decision-making environment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.