The rate at which farmers move through these stages will vary from
individual to individual; and it will depend on the range of factors
discussed earlier in this chapter. Some farmers will be more
exposed to new ideas through contact with media messages or with
what we called "influential figures". Some may be more ready to try
something new because of their better education or financial
security. Some may be reluctant to take any risks because of their
financial insecurity or their loyalty to tradition.
However, do not be discouraged if some farmers simply cannot be
convinced to accept your recommendations. This is normal. Typi-
cally, the adoption process is slow at first. Then, over time, you
should see responses to your recommendations begin to develop a
pattern which can be diagrammed as an "adoption curve":














 Lapse of Time



This is what usually happens with large groups of people under
normal circumstances. The innovators are the small percentage of
farmers who are quick to accept something new-and who become
its advocates. They will tend to have those qualities identified by Dr.
Mbula as the ideal people to select as contact farmers.
However, there are other general factors that affect a person's
readiness to accept change. Factors that relate to how we all, as
human beings-and as adults-actually learn new information,
develop new skills and acquire new attitudes. This is the subject of
the next chapter.