Determinants of Adoption of Improved Bread Wheat Production Technology in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major staple and cash crops for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and is mainly grown in the central and southeastern highlands of the country. Adoption of improved agricultural technologies is one of the most important issues to insure food self-sufficiency as well as food security. However, the adoption and dissemination of improved agricultural technologies are constrained by many factors. The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting adoption and intensity of adoption of improved bread wheat production technology. Multistage sampling techniques were employed. Using a systematic random sampling technique, 168 household heads were taken as sample respondents. Structured interview schedules, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used as primary data collection instruments. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistical analysis; mainly Chi-square test, F-test, and Pearson correlation were employed. A Tobit econometrics model was also employed with the help of statistical software. The results revealed that household heads sex, level of education, active labor force  members, total land holding size, access to credit, participation in training, exposure to mass media, and frequency contact of extension agents were found to have a significant influence on adoption and intensity of adoption of improved bread wheat production technology. The overall finding of this study underlines the importance of institutional support in the areas of extension services and facilitating access to credit in order to enhance the adoption of new technologies.  Therefore, the bureau of agriculture and other development practitioners should give focus to strengthening institutional support to improve the adoption of bread wheat technology.

Keywords: Adoption, Technology, Bread Wheat, Tobit model

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/97-07

Publication date:May 31^st 2020