Maize Varietal Adoption Rate in Ethiopia, the Farmer Self Identification and DNA Finger Printing Approaches

Abstract

The study examined the rate of maize adoption using farmer self identification and DNA fingerprinting in Ethiopia. Secondary data from the household survey data collected by Central Statistical Agency and DNA fingerprinting identified for maize varieties were used in the analysis. The findings of the study indicate that rate of maize adoption estimates from the DNA fingerprinting technology is different from farmer perceptions.  As  indicated,  according to  the household survey  43.75% of the farmers used  improved  maize  varieties  during  the  study  main cropping  season,  whereas,  based  on  DNA fingerprinting  analysis  97.16%  of  the  respondents  used  improved  maize  varieties and the difference was statistically significant at (p<0.01) realizing the importance of DNA fingerprinting technique over farmer self identification.

Keywords: DNA Fingerprinting, Maize adoption rate, Hybrid maize and OPvs

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-2-02