Factors determining intercropping by rubber smallholders in Sri Lanka: a logit analysis

Variables related to farmers’ awareness and attitudes towards intercropping of immature rubber ( Hevea brasiliensis) stands, extension contacts, education level, and experience with farming other crops are positively associated with the probability of adoption. Higher levels of off-farm income are associated with reduced intercropping in immature rubber stands. Farmers who are sole owners of the land and engaged in full or part-time rubber farming show lower adoption rates than other land ownership groups. Social participation, family size, experience with farming rubber, immature and mature rubber stands size, and the nature of the land (flat/sloped) do not significantly influence adoption. These conclusions were obtained from a logit model estimated by employing the results of a survey of 588 smallholder rubber farmers from five major rubber-growing regions in Sri Lanka.