INTERPAKS, Explores a frequently neglected aspect of adoption, namely how family characteristics influence utilization decision. The authors question the typical view of farmers as "individualistic actors", and direct research toward kinship arrangements, extended family networks, and group reinforcement for adoption decisions. The research centers on adoption of soil conservation practices in the Palouse are of Washington and Idaho. The findings demonstrate a definite link between kinship arrangements and adoption behavior: 1) farming with other relatives introduces additional information and opportunities for innovation; 2) two generations farming together tend to be more sensitive to future implications of production technologies. The research is limited to one area and one type of innovation, but it does raise the important issue of how the social organization of production affects adoption decisions.
