Paying for agricultural information in Malawi: The role of soil heterogeneity
通过公共品实验，研究马拉维中部农民对土壤测试的付费意愿，发现土壤相似性既促进贡献也引发搭便车，但所有村庄均能凑够测试费用。
We examine the relationship between soil heterogeneity and investment in learning among farmers in Central Malawi using an experimental approach. Soil heterogeneity may both impede social learning and encourage experimentation. In our experiment, farmers contribute towards the purchase of a single soil test in the village in a threshold public goods game. This soil tests provides farmers with valuable and actionable information. By randomly varying the plot selected for soil testing we establish the role of soil heterogeneity. We find that farmers contribute more when they perceive soils to be more similar to their own plot, but also free ride on others whose soils they perceive as similar. This free riding increases in larger groups of farmers with similar soils. Despite this, all villages consistently contribute enough to purchase the soil test.