Quantitative analysis of factors affecting IR-43 and Tinajones rice variety adoption in Peru’s Camaná Valley

This study analyzed the socio-economic, institutional, and environmental factors influencing the adoption of high-yielding rice varieties, IR-43 and Tinajones, in the Camaná Valley, Peru. Using a mixed-methods approach over 24 months, data were collected from 300 farmers through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and environmental assessments using life cycle analysis (LCA). Regression analysis identified farm size, access to credit, and institutional support as the primary drivers of adoption, with larger farms exhibiting adoption rates 40% higher than smaller ones due to better financial resources. Education and market access also significantly influenced adoption, with educated farmers and those with strong market integration showing a 25% higher likelihood of adoption. However, adoption came with environmental trade-offs: IR-43 and Tinajones required 10–20% more water and produced 15% higher greenhouse gas emissions than traditional varieties. Structural equation modeling revealed that education and institutional support indirectly increased yields by 30% through improved access to credit and training. The findings underscore the need for policy interventions that balance socio-economic benefits with environmental sustainability, integrating measures such as optimized irrigation and organic fertilization to mitigate negative environmental impacts. These findings highlight the need for integrated policy interventions that support both the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of rice farming in semi-arid regions like the Camaná Valley.