| Abstract: | Wheat (Triticum spp.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. It is largely
grown in the highlands of the country and constitutes roughly 10% of the annual cereal
production and plays a substantial role in supplying the population with carbohydrates,
protein and minerals .Low production and productivity, which is mainly associated with
poor adoption of improved technologies, is persistent in Gesha woreda. Adoption of improved
technologies is one of the most promising ways to increase food security in Ethiopia.
However, the adoption and dissemination of these technologies is inhibited by various
factors. The objective of this study was to assess factors affecting adoption and intensity of
adoption of improved wheat production and associated agronomic practices in Gesha Woreda,
Kaffa zone of SNNPRS. A total of 120 sample households (109 male and 11 female)
selected from 3 kebeles of the Woreda were interviewed using structured interview schedule.
Qualitative data were collected using group discussion, and field observation.
Data analysis was done with the help SPSS 16; mainly Chi-square test, independent sample
t-test. Tobit econometrics model was employed using STATA 10 to determine intensity and
probability of adoption. The results of descriptive statistics and the econometric model
indicated that the relative influence of different variables on probability and intensity of
adoption of improved wheat production Thus, sex of house hold head, education of house
hold, ,attending training on improved wheat production, attending field day programs,
conducting demonstration, frequency of extension agent contact with house hold, mass media
exposure, frequency of use of mass media, farm income farm size and ownership of livestock
positively and significantly influenced adoption and intensity of adoption of improved
wheat production
Results of measurement of farmers’ adoption index revealed all respondents are in the category
ranging from non adopters to medium adopters and no house hold has entered to
high adopter category. Farmers’ deviation from recommended package practices was
found partly due to inadequate extension service, lack of adequate awareness creation. The
overall findings of the study underlined the high importance of extension service provision
to improve farmers’ access to information and extension advices to address the recommended
agronomic practices practically, educating farmers and avoiding gender biased
extension services by participating women in development/extension programs. Attention
has to be given to release of disease resistant varieties of wheat that suits agro ecology of
the study area by researchers. |
