Agricultural innovations diffuse when information, technology or farming practices spread from an origin to new users and places. Adoption is the decision to use an innovation; expansion diffusion and relocation diffusion describe changes in its spatial distribution.
This is prescribed in IB Geography Option F, subtopic F.2, Food systems and spread of diseases, for both SL and HL.
The Diffusion Mechanism
An innovation may be a new seed variety, irrigation method, machine, fertilizer or farming technique. Diffusion commonly follows this sequence:
- The innovation begins at a source, such as a research centre, agribusiness or pioneering farm.
- Information spreads through extension services, media, commercial networks or farmer-to-farmer contact.
- Farmers assess cost, risk, compatibility and expected benefits.
- Adoption occurs when they acquire and use the innovation.
- Repeated adoption produces expansion or relocation diffusion.
| Process | How it works | Agricultural example |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption | A farmer or community decides to acquire and use an innovation. | A farmer adopts drought-resistant seeds after observing successful harvests. |
| Expansion diffusion | Use spreads outward but remains established at its source. | Drip irrigation spreads between neighbouring farms while continuing in the original area. |
| Relocation diffusion | Migrating people carry an innovation to a new location. | Migrating farmers introduce a crop variety or cultivation method elsewhere. |
Diffusion is uneven because geographic barriers alter access. Physical barriers include distance, mountains and unsuitable climates; human barriers include poverty, weak transport, limited education, insecure land tenure, cultural resistance and government restrictions. Credit, training and communication networks accelerate spread.
A common misconception is that adoption and diffusion are identical. Adoption is one user's decision; diffusion is the wider spatial spread resulting from many decisions or movements.
Exam Technique
For an explain question, present a causal chain, distinguish expansion from relocation, identify a geographic barrier and apply the process to a named agricultural place studied by your class.
