Factors influencing the effectiveness of an agro-environmental project in China

A case study identified the factors affecting farmers' adoption of improved technologies extended by an agricultural development project in a rural village in Yunnan Province, China. Project effectiveness was influenced by: the success and appropriateness of recommended technologies and associated infrastructure development; the use of participatory approaches; material and advisory support to local stakeholders; clear explanations of project objectives to farmers; benefits for small landholders; land rights for farmers; farmers' awareness and dissemination activities; and project duration. Farmers' adoption of technologies should be a major criterion in evaluating project success.