Smallholder Farmers’ Innovation and Its Determinants The Case of Hirity Mekan Seed Producers’ Cooperative, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Purpose: Based on the Memorandum of understanding signed between the researcher and ISSD –MU, the main purpose of this study was to find out the extent to which farmers in the specified study area demonstrate entrepreneurial orientation (degree of innovativeness) and examine the determinants of farmers’ innovativeness.

Methodology: The units of analysis of this study are members Hryti Mekan seed producers’ cooperative in Enda-Mekoni Woreda, southern zone of Tigay. In this study, farmers’ innovativeness was treated as continuous dependent variables. Five point Likert scale was used to capture the innovativeness. Twelve variables, categorized under four major groups: demographic and personal variables, socio cultural variables, wealth related variables and infrastructure; were considered as variables to explain the dependent variable. Primary data was collected from 49 (83 percent of the sample frame) members of the Mekan Seed Producers using structured questionnaire, and interview as well as discussions with key informants. In order to analyze the quantitative data, the researcher applied such descriptive statistics as percentages, ratios, mean standard deviations, tables as well as statistical difference tests. It also used correlation and regression analysis for the purpose of substantiating the descriptive data analysis and examined the factors that influence the innovativeness of the members.Results: The results of econometric analysis show that positive attitude towards agriculture, engagement in production of improved seed, extension services provided by DAs, experts from ISSD, research institutions, and Woreda level agricultural offices have significant positive effect to enhance the innovativeness of farmers. On the other hand while mass-media exposure, total years of experience in traditional farming, inadequacy and cost of inputs are negatively associated with innovativeness of farmers. On the other hand, participation in capacity building events (e.g. trainings, visits to demonstration sites, experience sharing visits, workshops), participation in non-farm activities, level of formal education, financial position and access to credit have no any significant effect on innovation.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, farmers’ Improved Seed Producers’ Cooperatives, Innovativeness,