Seeking the Treated: The Impact of Information on Social Interactions and Networks

Abstract

We examine how a mobile phone-based agricultural extension service influences social interactions and farmer networks in village India. The service spurs greater information sharing among farmers after production outcomes are realized. Those exposed to the service – directly or via peers – seek out agricultural information from the treated, increasing the latter’s ‘agricultural popularity’. Treated peers reduce the reliance of control respondents on input dealers for agricultural advice and increase their WTP for the service. They also induce more service usage and interactions with treated respondents – effects partly driven by network changes - but lower WTP, suggesting crowd out.

Keywords: Social Interactions, Networks, Information Exchange, Agriculture, Technology

JEL Classification: D83, O13, O33, Q16