The Effect of Farmers Education on Farm Productivity: Evidence from Small - Scale Maize Producing Farmers in North Bench District, Bench Maji Zone

Abstract

The educational system in Ethiopia is differentiating by low participation rates, particularly in rural areas. The agriculture productivity and income of rural famer is increased by farmer education (formal and informal education). The objective of this study is to examine the effect of farmer education on farm productivity of small-scale maize producing farmers. Cross-sectional data has been collected from 200 maize producing farmers by Semi-Structured questionnaire. Cobb-Douglas production function model has been used to analysis the effect of farm education on farm productivity by including the education level as input of production. The main finding of the study was that higher education contributes to productivity. Extension contact service is   also positive effect on farm productivity even though the coverage is very low. Thus, the study conclude that formal schooling opens the mind of farmers to adapt  new farm technology , non- formal education propose the farmer to better method of  farming , and informal education keeps the farmer on  changing ideas among each other.  Therefore, this study recommended that to increase their productivity the farmers in the district should have required skills and knowledge in modern farming method and use of modern farm inputs.

Keywords: Cobb- Douglas production function model, Education, productivity

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-17-04

Publication date:September 30^th 2019