Louisiana crawfish farmer adoption of best management practices

Abstract

This study investigated factors influencing the adoption of 18 best management practices in Louisiana crawfish aquaculture production based upon results of a farmer survey. Best management practices included in this survey are those that (1) are primarily vegetative; (2) address water management, including the irrigation system; and/or (3) address nutrient management. Probit results showed that land tenancy, whether a crop rotation was used, whether double cropping of crawfish with rice was practiced, farm size, portion of income from farming, and farmer age, education, risk preference, and technology adoption tendencies influenced best management practice adoption. Adoption rates varied widely, depending upon the best management practice, from 3% to 79%. The most frequently used best management practice was irrigation water management. Results provided information for targeting extension programs on the benefits of best management practice adoption.