This paper aims to assess the actual and potential adoption rate of NERICA (New Rice for Africa)
rice varieties and identify the determinants of their diffusion and adoption in Burkina Faso. The
surveys were conducted in 2009 among 300 rice farmers in 10 villages participating in the rice
varietal selection tests. The average treatment effect (ATE) method made it possible to determine a
common rate of exposure to and adoption of NERICA of 17% in 2008, and a potential adoption rate
of 37%. This means that there is an adoption gap of 20% due to the incomplete diffusion of NERICA,
which must be addressed by carrying out more actions to disseminate these varieties. The contact
with agricultural research services is a key factor determining the awareness and adoption of
NERICA in Burkina Faso
