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Observability is the degree to which the results of an innovation are visible/observable, demonstrable (which can be used and shown) and communicable to farmers. The results of some ideas are easily observed and communicated to others, whereas some innovations are difficult to describe to others. The Observability of an innovation as perceived by members of a social system is positively related to its rate of adoption. The visible impact of an innovation facilitates its diffusion in the social system.
Innovations that prevent in diseases are generally less costly than those that cure innovations, but the results of preventive innovations are not so obvious, compared to those of the curative innovations. The problem of lack of observability may, however, be overcome by strengthening extension effort like training, communication etc. which can enlarge one’s vision and reasoning.
A preventive innovation is an idea that an individual adopts at one point in time in order to lower the probability that some future unwanted event will occur.
Example: preparing for natural disaster, stopping smoking, buying insurance etc. The benefits of preventive innovations are clearly visible after a lapse of time.
A preventive innovation has particularly slow rate of adoption because individuals have difficulties in perceiving its relative advantage.
In the case of agricultural practices like improved seeds, fertilizers or pesticides, the results can be observed after a season. But in case of Home Science innovations like food and nutrition and child development where the results like good health and proper development of the child cannot be easily seen within a short time. In such cases the innovations are not easily accepted.
It may be generalized that the attributes of relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, observability and predictability of an innovation, as perceived by the members of a social system are positively related to its rate of adoption. The complexity of an innovation as perceived by the members of a social system is negatively related to its rate of adoption.
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