FACTORS EXPLAINING THE DIFFUSION OF HYBRID MAIZE: EVIDENCE FROM LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN IN SUPPORT OF THE LIFE CYCLE THEORY OF SEED INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Factors affecting the diffusion of hybrid maize are explored using a unique data set from 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our findings not only validate the conventional profitability-based explanations of farmer adoption behavior, but also confirm the importance of supply-side factors, providing empirical support for the life cycle theory of seed industry development.Crop Production/Industries,