Complementarity of field studies and RCTs: evidence from Bt eggplant in Bangladesh

Abstract Randomised control trials (RCTs) and field studies are two empirical approaches. We conducted a field study analysing the adoption of Bt eggplant in Bangladesh and compared the results of previous RCTs. We find that Bt eggplant raises yields, lowers total cost and pesticide costs and generates a price premium compared to non-Bt eggplant, increasing profits by 23 per cent. We also identify factors contributing to adopting Bt eggplant, including better access to credit, farm sizes and expected profitability. Our low-cost field study confirms the impact assessment results of RCTs and provides insight into factors affecting adoption.