Research Article
Adoption of Improved Potato Varieties in Ezha District Southern, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
24-31
Received:
9 April 2025
Accepted:
4 May 2025
Published:
6 June 2025
Abstract: The improvement of potato yield and overall production is significantly dependent on the integration of advanced technologies, particularly the use of enhanced potato varieties. Nevertheless, the uptake of these improved varieties in developing nations, such as Ethiopia, is constrained by a range of factors, including socio-economic, demographic, and institutional challenges. To investigate this matter, the study was conducted in Ezha District, located in southern Ethiopia. This research utilized a three-stage sampling technique and gathered primary data through interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, also sourcing secondary data from various references. The analysis of the data showed that the adoption rate of improved potato varieties was 48.4%, while the intensity of adoption was 55.01%. Based on the probit regression model, it was found that factors such as level of education, size of land and livestock, frequency of extension contact, and membership in a cooperative had a positive impact on farmers' decisions to adopt improved potato varieties. Conversely, the distance to the farmer's training center and the nearest market had a negative influence. As a result, suggested that stakeholders, including the local community, District Agriculture Office, and research institutes, should promote improved potato varieties in the study area to enhance potato yield and production.
Abstract: The improvement of potato yield and overall production is significantly dependent on the integration of advanced technologies, particularly the use of enhanced potato varieties. Nevertheless, the uptake of these improved varieties in developing nations, such as Ethiopia, is constrained by a range of factors, including socio-economic, demographic, a...
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Research Article
Impact of Contract Farming Scheme on Smallholder Farmers’ Income: The Case of Coffee Farming System of Shebe Sombo, South West Ethiopia
Meditu Debela Hordofa*,
Jema Haji Mohammed,
Ermias Melaku Addis,
Yonas Muleta Gejea
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
32-43
Received:
17 April 2025
Accepted:
10 May 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: This research investigated the impact of contract farming on the livelihoods of smallholder coffee producers in the Shebe Sombo district of Ethiopia. Specifically, the study aimed to understand factors influencing farmer participation in contract coffee production, evaluate the impact of contract farming on household income, and analyze the structure of existing contract farming arrangements. Employing a two-stage sampling method, the study collected data from 71 contract farming participants and 63 non-participant households through structured interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and an econometric model utilizing propensity score matching to estimate the causal impact of contract farming on household income. The findings revealed a significant positive impact of contract farming on the annual income of participating households. Notably, frequent interaction with agricultural extension services and livestock ownership emerged as key factors positively influencing both farmer participation in contract farming and subsequent income from coffee production. Conversely, larger household sizes and reliance on credit were found to negatively influence both participation in contract farming and overall household income. The study's analysis, utilizing propensity score matching, demonstrated that, on average, involvement in contract farming led to an increase of 8252.21 Ethiopian Birr in household income. These findings strongly suggest that, compared to traditional marketing channels, contract farming offers a more profitable avenue for smallholder coffee farmers to enhance their livelihoods.
Abstract: This research investigated the impact of contract farming on the livelihoods of smallholder coffee producers in the Shebe Sombo district of Ethiopia. Specifically, the study aimed to understand factors influencing farmer participation in contract coffee production, evaluate the impact of contract farming on household income, and analyze the structu...
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