Middle East research journal of economics and management, May 16, 2024
Ethiopia has the largest livestock number in Africa. Nevertheless, the productivity of this secto... more Ethiopia has the largest livestock number in Africa. Nevertheless, the productivity of this sector faces susceptibility to the effects of climate change and associated risks. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further research and gather data to gain a deeper understanding of these impacts. This understanding will facilitate the design of effective adaptation and mitigation measures, allowing Ethiopia to effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change and variability. The primary aim of this article is to provide a review of the impacts of climate change on livestock productivity and summarize adaptation strategies employed by small-scale farmers in Ethiopia. The study highlights an increasing trend in the intensity and frequency of drought occurrences in the country, particularly in pastoralist and agropastoralist regions. These trends exacerbate climate-related issues such as limited access to rainfall and water, reduced availability and quality of animal feed, heightened risks of animal diseases, and increased heat stress, resulting in diminished livestock performance. Consequently, collaboration on adaptation programs among stakeholders is crucial to bolster the traditional coping mechanisms of pastoralists and agropastoralists in response to the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, comprehensive research is needed to identify and select camel and goat breeds specifically suited for drought-prone areas, serving particular purposes.
The study was designed to promote and disseminate improved teff varieties both in West Shewa and ... more The study was designed to promote and disseminate improved teff varieties both in West Shewa and South west Shewa Zones six districts and Ambo town, Oromia region Ethiopia during 2020 -2022 cropping season. The selection of Districts, kebeles and host farmers were done together with districts Agriculture Office and the extension team. Potential Kebeles were selected in order to conduct the large-scale demonstration activity two potential Kebeles from the districts and participant farmers were selected based on their interest and availability of adjacent farm plots with a minimum 0.25 ha per head. Thus, 15 clusters were formed, 241 farmers (Male 201 and female 40) directly participated in these demonstrations, and 132 ha of land was covered by improved teff technologies. Before implementing the pre-scaling up activity in all selected areas, capacity building was carried out for stakeholders. Among the participants, training was provided to 342 farmers, 46 DAs, and 27 Experts who worked in both zones and Ambo town. Three improved teff varieties (Dagim, Quncho and Boset), those preferred and selected by farmers during PED were used with their full recommended practices. As a result, in every clustered district, the yields from those varieties outperformed the local variety of an identical crop. The Dagim variety yielded an average of 2.2 tons/ha from the cluster, Quncho 1.9 tons/ha, and Boset 2.25 tons/ha respectively. These yields exceeded the Zone's yield advantage of 2.128 tons/ha, higher above the average for the region (1.34 tons/ha) and the country (1.914 tons/ha) respectively based on CSA data of 2021. In order to fulfill the intended goal of providing the variety to a sufficient number of farmers and enhancing the productivity and output of the commodity in other places, it is imperative that the relationships between actors and important prospective stakeholders be strengthened.
EAS journal of veterinary medical science, Feb 18, 2024
The production of vegetables is very important to Ethiopia's economy and various types of vegetab... more The production of vegetables is very important to Ethiopia's economy and various types of vegetables can grow in Ethiopia. However, despite the existing potentials, smallholder vegetable farms are based on low input-low output production system in the country. The production is run by smallholder farmers and is located on a relatively small part of land. In the same way, there is inadequate knowledge on improved vegetables production practices, challenges and opportunities by smallholder farmers in the country and public research on vegetable crops was negligible. To this end, this review was aimed to assess practices of vegetable production and management, challenges of vegetable production and management and opportunity of vegetable production by small holder farming household. The review found that, vegetable production practices and management are not the primary activity for the majority of smallholder farming households in the country; rather, they are seen as a supplement to the production of major crops. It was mainly based on traditional farming system. Further the review found out that, lack of access to credit, limited supply of improved seed, marketing and market information, appropriate management techniques, appropriate disease and insect pest control measures, outbreak of new disease and pest are among the main challenges of vegetable production in the country. This is mainly because of the limited resource allocation to research and development including the extension services. Finally, the review recommends that, in promoting vegetable producer households, diversified and intensified agricultural farming, and problems related to extension service and research, credit service, disease and pest control, market and marketing information, and provision of modern agricultural inputs should be addressed by concerned bodies.
Middle East research journal of economics and management, Feb 25, 2024
Farming in Ethiopia can offer assistance in bringing dejected needs. Hence, the best possible mea... more Farming in Ethiopia can offer assistance in bringing dejected needs. Hence, the best possible means of achieving growth is by increasing the production efficiency of farmers. To estimate the levels of production efficiency, this study specifically used only data from farmers who are producing without plowing by oxen and without using fertilizers in the study area under shifting cultivation. Method: To determine the determinants of production efficiency, the Tobit model was used in this study. Result. The Tobit model results show that age of household, and herbicide use had a negative impact on the production efficiency of farmers. Regarding the positive determinants of production efficiency, labor, seed, and fertilizer (NPS) have a positive influence. Conclusion and Recommendation: The farmers in the study area are efficient in the production of maize. The government should give due attention to farmers' training by strengthening farmers' education and farmer training centers to make farmers more efficient producers and profitable by integrating local and traditional knowledge of farmers with formal knowledge of using herbicides. Farmers should also be advised, as they are youngest farmers engaging in farming work. Otherwise, the government should supply fertilizer and improve seed on credit.
East African scholars journal of economics, business and management, Jan 24, 2024
Malt barley is a high-opportunity cash crop, with great room for profitable expansion, particular... more Malt barley is a high-opportunity cash crop, with great room for profitable expansion, particularly when connected to growing breweries. With the intention of popularizing advanced malt barley varieties (IBON174/03 and HB-1963) on a large-scale demonstration farming approach, this activity was carried out in West Shewa Zone potential areas to increase production and productivity of malt barley technologies during 2020-2022 production seasons. West Shewa Zone was purposively selected based on agro-ecological zone as the target population for this cluster farming. From the Zone potential areas, three districts were randomly selected including Ambo, Toke kutaye and Elfeta Districts. From each district, 9 kebeles and 144 host farmers participated in this cluster based on their interest and availability of adjacent farm plots. Thus, 9 clusters were formed, and 60 ha of land was covered on improved malt barley technologies. Training was given for stakeholders for 144 farmers, 44 DAs, and 16 agricultural experts who worked in selected districts on barley production and management packages. The study found that the average yield from the IBON174/03 variety was 30qt ha -1 , 29qt ha -1 , and 28qtha -1 at Toke kutaye, Elfeta and Ambo districts, with an overall mean grain yield of 29qtha -1 . The HB-1963 variety yielded 26 qt ha -1, 24 qt ha -1 at Toke kutaye, Elfeta and Ambo districts respectively for an overall grain yield of 25 qt ha -1 . Therefore, from the researchers and farmers evaluation both demonstrated malt barley varieties were recommended for the study areas and similar agro-ecologies for further demonstration and dissemination.
Middle East research journal of economics and management, Jan 24, 2023
This research was conducted in Liban Jawi district West Shewa zone of the Oromia region to evalua... more This research was conducted in Liban Jawi district West Shewa zone of the Oromia region to evaluate the determinants that affect the participation decisions of smallholder farmers in teff cluster farming. A multistage sample procedure was used to collect the data. Liban Jawi District was purposely selected from the West Shewa zone due to the potential teff production and implementation of teff cluster farming. Next, based on the proportion of peasant association that undertakes cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs were stratified into two strata: cluster farming and non-cluster farming participants. Finally, 133 respondents were selected using systematic random sampling methods. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze relationships between a dichotomous dependent variable and explanatory variables. The results of this study indicated that among the selected variables used in the model, nine of them were found to have significant effects including the age of household head, gender, experience, land holding size, income, walking time to farmland, credit accessibility, participation in the demonstration, and access to training were statistically significant on participation decision of smallholder farmers decisions in teff cluster farming. Therefore, the Federal and or the regional government ought to enhance farmer associations to have the potential to significantly influence the participation decision-making process. In addition, to support farmers in adopting new varieties and increase their productivity, the government should give training, and increase extension linkages to enhance the participation decisions of farmers in cluster farming.
Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in Ethiopian hig... more Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in Ethiopian highlands. Its production is rapidly increasing where it has been a minor crop in the past. The empirical evidences on the determinants of agricultural technology adoption and their intensity of adoption are very limited. In this paper, determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of improved highland maize varieties were investigated by using descriptive statistics and econometric model (Tobit). Two stage sampling procedure was followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. The model result revealed that variables such as farm size, household income, access to credit, contact with extension agents, participation in training, and field day were positively and significantly influenced whereas, age of household and market distance negatively influenced adoption and intensity of use of improved highland maize varieties in the study area. Therefore, government policies and intervention on adoption and intensity use of agricultural technology should pay attention and move along with those variables significantly influencing adoption and intensity of use of new agricultural technology.
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2019
The study aims to reveal farmer's perceptions towards improved highland maize varieties in select... more The study aims to reveal farmer's perceptions towards improved highland maize varieties in selected kebeles of Toke kutaye districts. In this paper, farmer's perception towards improved highland maize varieties were investigated or measured using a scale with items developed for the purpose of this study. Two stage sampling procedures were followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. Responses of sample respondents on the perception related were analyzed using Likert type scale. Based on the level of agreements the result revealed that perception on disease resistant, high yielding potential of the varieties, early maturity of the varieties, agro ecological suitability and availability of seed at the right time and quality showed relatively best performance of the varieties in the study area. Whereas, perception on technological availability of the varieties indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered. Even if the advantages of the varieties are more for households of the study area, some farmers are discouraged to adopt the variety because of reasons such as demand more inputs, the lack of credit service, market problem, insect pest problem, lack of awareness and extension support on the technology. Therefore, the extension and research system have to look in to these factors to give solution for the adoption of the variety.
Middle East research journal of economics and management, Jan 10, 2024
Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an everincreasing demand. It plays ... more Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an everincreasing demand. It plays a fundamental role in food security, and a major challenge is to meet the additional requirements with new cultivars and improved cropping technologies. This research evaluated the determinant factors influencing participation decisions of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming at Dawo District SouthWest Shewa Zone Oromia region. Dawo District was purposefully selected from the SouthWest Shewa Zone due to its wheat potential agro-ecological area and implemented wheat cluster farming. Based on the proportion of PAs that undertake cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs stratified into two strata: These are Wheat cluster farming and wheat non-cluster farming participants. In total, 138 (participants 92 and non-participants 46) respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. The binary logistic regression results revealed that the education level of the household head, wheat farming experience of the household head, landholding size, distance to extension services, membership to cooperative, and access to credit services were the variables that significantly affected participation decision of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the research results recommend the need for continued and broad public and private awareness creation in agricultural innovations participation to address vital development challenges and the need for policy support for improving extension efforts and access to the full package for cluster implementation among smallholder farmers that stimulate participation decision on cluster farming of improved agricultural technologies.
Teff is one of the most important cereal crops in Oromia region in general and in West Showa in p... more Teff is one of the most important cereal crops in Oromia region in general and in West Showa in particular. It serves as a source of both food and cash income. In order to achieve food security, a lot of attempts have been made by the government in Ethiopia over the last three decades to bring changes in agricultural production through pre scaling up of agricultural technologies among smallholder farmers. The objectives the study was to create smallholder farmer's awareness and knowledge, enhancing implementation of full packages of teff production technologies, exploring the perceptions towards and share best practices, experiences, and lessons learned from the large-scale demonstration of teff varieties. The Large scale demonstration activity was carried out at Abuna Gindeberet and Gindeberet districts of West Showa zone Oromia region in six selected Kebeles. The sites were selected purposively based on the convenience of the area to the technologies, the potential area for teff production and accessibility for field monitoring and follow-ups. Finally in Abuna Gindeberet, 122 farmers were selected to implement the LSD on 52 ha of land and in Gindeberet district 73 farmers were selected with 40 ha of land for the cluster activity. The recommended amount of fertilizers applied at the recommended stage for the development of the plant. The overall agronomic practices have been implemented as per recommendation. From the LSD of improved teff varieties in both districts average, the higher yield 21.5 qts/ha were gotten from Dagim variety and 18.5 qts/ha yield of Quncho variety were obtained in production year 2019. Farmers raised that improved teff varieties are better high yielder than local ones, more early maturity, better in terms of disease resistance, not lodge than the local, the grain straw are very strong and have the traits of white in color with high performance which are high price difference during marketing than the local one. Therefore, awareness creations, popularizing improved seeds, facilitating credit availability are the important point to improve production and productivity of farmers in the study districts.
International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences, 2021
Small-scale irrigation is the feasible way by which agricultural production and productivity can ... more Small-scale irrigation is the feasible way by which agricultural production and productivity can be enhanced to meet the ever-growing food demand of populated countries like Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess factors affecting farm households’ participation decision in small-scale irrigation using the primary data collected from 220 sample households from Walmara district, central Ethiopia. Both descriptive and econometric data analyses were conducted to analyze the collected data. The logistic regression result revealed that the sex of the household head, size of land owned, the occurrence of crop pests during the main season, family size, and access to credit services were the variables that positively and significantly affected household participation decision in small scale irrigation, while age of the household head, number of livestock owned and distance from irrigation site were the variables that negatively and significantly affected households’ participation decis...
Tef is among the major cereal crops in the Horn of Africa particularly in Ethiopia where it is nu... more Tef is among the major cereal crops in the Horn of Africa particularly in Ethiopia where it is number one in terms of land allocated to its cultivation. This crop is the major staple food crop to most of the Ethiopian people living in the highlands which comprise more than 65% of the population. This study was aimed at analyzing farmers' perception towards improved Quncho teff varieties and constraints faced in producing improved teff variety in Gindeberet district. A descriptive survey design was adopted in which 150 respondents were randomly selected from six Peasant association of the district to collect the required data. The study result revealed that depending on the items developed for this study among the given agreements perception on high yield potential of the variety, increase production and yield, availability of the technology on production and agro-ecological suitability of the variety had showed relatively best performance of the varieties, whereas availability of the improved seed at the right time with its quality and disease resistance of the crop indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered. The overall finding revealed that, the government and other stakeholders should invest in farmer training since it enables farmers to understand well technologies and perceive their benefits increasing their probability to adopt agricultural technologies and provide adequate extension services and solve un availability of improved seed at the right time, high prices of inputs particularly improved seeds, pesticides and fertilizers in the district.
Journal of economics and sustainable development, 2018
Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in the highlands... more Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in the highlands of Ethiopia. Its production is rapidly increasing in the highland parts of the country where it has been a minor crop in the past. The empirical evidences on the determinants of agricultural technology adoption and their intensity of adoption are very limited. In this paper, determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of improved highland maize varieties were investigated by using descriptive statistics and econometric model (Tobit). Two stage sampling procedure was followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. The model result revealed that variables such as farm size, household income, access to credit, contact with extension agents, participation in training, and field day were positively and significantly influenced whereas, age of household and market distance negatively influenced adoption and intensity of use of improved highland maize varieties production in the study...
International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2021
The activity was conducted for two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020 cropping season at Ambo and D... more The activity was conducted for two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020 cropping season at Ambo and Dandi districts of West Showa Zone with the objective to evaluate for grain yield, yield related traits and farmers' perception or preference and the performance of improved teff variety along with recommended package. Sites were selected based on teff production potential of the area. Two districts and three PAs from each district and eighteen target farmers were purposively selected on the ground that they are the leading producer of teff in the area. Training was given for farmers, Development Agents and experts on production of improved teff technologies from site selection up to postharvest practices of improved teff variety. Quantitative data such as yield data was collected and analysed using SPSS, whereas farmers feedback were analysed qualitatively. Recommended seed and fertilizer rate were used for the demonstration trial establishment. According to the result of Dagim variety, mean grain yield 18.79 qt/he and 25.51 qt/he were recorded in Ambo and dendi districts respectively. Thus, Dagim variety is recommended for further scaling up activities at Ambo and Dendi districts taking into consideration of its productivity. Farmers of those areas should use the variety in order to increases their teff production and enhance their income from teff.
Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) was originated in the central high lands of the Andes in South Amer... more Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) was originated in the central high lands of the Andes in South America and was brought to Europe in the 16th century. It is the world's fourth most widely cultivated food crop after wheat, rice and maize. Ethiopia has considerable potential for potato cultivation, as 70 percent of its arable land is suitable mainly highland areas above 1500 meters of altitude. Also, the country is one of the major producers in Eastern Africa because of its suitable agro-ecology and its domestic consumption levels. The main objective of the review was to know potato production and marketing status by small holder farmers in Ethiopia. The data were collected from secondary sources mainly from FAOSTAT, CSA and different published materials on production and marketing chain in Ethiopia. The general idea of the review shows that Ethiopia has potential for potato production but lack of certified improved seed for potato producers, local seed multipliers have limited access to information and depend on low-quality local potato varieties selected and multiplied according to individual knowledge, the high cost of agro-chemicals either refuse to purchase fertilizer or apply inadequate amounts per hectare. In addition, the use of the same type of chemicals repeatedly allows pests and diseases to develop resistance. The major constraints of potato marketing involve poor storage and handling and low upgrading strategies to the commodity. Lack of market information providing institutions, higher input price, multiple taxes, and chemical herbicides, adulteration, absence of road service, poor product quality and high cost of input, weak market linkages among market. Therefore, the government and other concerned bodies should focus on increasing production and productivity of potato which in turn focused for establishing well potato market development for mutual benefits of all actors.
There is exhaustive literature on technology adoption rates and the relationship between technolo... more There is exhaustive literature on technology adoption rates and the relationship between technology adoption and relevant socioeconomic and policy variables. Yet adoption estimates derived from the application of standard techniques such as the probit and tobit yield biased estimates. This paper applies the modern evaluation technique: the counterfactual outcome framework to data from about 400 households in Malawi to assess the patterns of diffusion and adoption of improved pigeonpea varieties and their determinants. We find the sample adoption rate of improved varieties to be 14 % while the potential adoption rate if the improved varieties were widely disseminated is estimated at 41 %. The adoption gap resulting from the incomplete exposure to the improved pigeonpea is 27 %. Moreover, adoption is also found to be high among female-headed households, older farmers and those with access to credit. The findings suggest that for increased adoption, there is need for increased involvement of extension workers is the dissemination of information about improved pigeonpea varieties, a robust pigeonpea seed system to increase seed availability to farmers as well as the need for improved access to credit.
Manufacturing sector dominates world businesses and are estimated to be more than 95% of all busi... more Manufacturing sector dominates world businesses and are estimated to be more than 95% of all businesses worldwide, providing over 60% employment in the private sector. In spite of their immense contributions, literature has established that the Nigerian manufacturing sector including the consumer goods sector have tottered over the years such that many of them find it difficult to compete at the local and global market. This situation could be due to limited use of ICT devices. While studies have linked ICT use to competitiveness of manufacturing firms, none has examined the influence of ICT use on the competitiveness of consumer goods manufacturing companies in Lagos state, Nigeria, hence, this study. Survey design was used. The population for the study was 14,572 employees of consumer goods manufacturing companies operating in Lagos State. The sample size of 394 staff was determined by using Taro Yamane formular. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 394 respondents ac...
Ethiopia implemented several extensions approach to the agricultural sector since mid-1960s. This... more Ethiopia implemented several extensions approach to the agricultural sector since mid-1960s. This paper reviews the literatures on agricultural extension systems in Ethiopia and provides an overview of recent evidence on agricultural extension systems and explores the conceptual suggestion in technology dissemination and popularization. Farmer production clusters is a group of farmers who work together on shared interests and towards a common goal and these groups of farmers are required to adopt the latest full-package farm recommendations. The agricultural commercialization cluster initiative in Ethiopia across the four major agricultural regions of the country in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and SNNPR is implemented with the aim of improving livelihoods, food quality and affordability, import substitution, export and agro-processing and creation of job opportunities. The observed data from ATA and CSA, 2019/20 in major crops on wheat, maize, barley, tef and sesame production in Tigray,...
Middle East research journal of economics and management, May 16, 2024
Ethiopia has the largest livestock number in Africa. Nevertheless, the productivity of this secto... more Ethiopia has the largest livestock number in Africa. Nevertheless, the productivity of this sector faces susceptibility to the effects of climate change and associated risks. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further research and gather data to gain a deeper understanding of these impacts. This understanding will facilitate the design of effective adaptation and mitigation measures, allowing Ethiopia to effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change and variability. The primary aim of this article is to provide a review of the impacts of climate change on livestock productivity and summarize adaptation strategies employed by small-scale farmers in Ethiopia. The study highlights an increasing trend in the intensity and frequency of drought occurrences in the country, particularly in pastoralist and agropastoralist regions. These trends exacerbate climate-related issues such as limited access to rainfall and water, reduced availability and quality of animal feed, heightened risks of animal diseases, and increased heat stress, resulting in diminished livestock performance. Consequently, collaboration on adaptation programs among stakeholders is crucial to bolster the traditional coping mechanisms of pastoralists and agropastoralists in response to the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, comprehensive research is needed to identify and select camel and goat breeds specifically suited for drought-prone areas, serving particular purposes.
The study was designed to promote and disseminate improved teff varieties both in West Shewa and ... more The study was designed to promote and disseminate improved teff varieties both in West Shewa and South west Shewa Zones six districts and Ambo town, Oromia region Ethiopia during 2020 -2022 cropping season. The selection of Districts, kebeles and host farmers were done together with districts Agriculture Office and the extension team. Potential Kebeles were selected in order to conduct the large-scale demonstration activity two potential Kebeles from the districts and participant farmers were selected based on their interest and availability of adjacent farm plots with a minimum 0.25 ha per head. Thus, 15 clusters were formed, 241 farmers (Male 201 and female 40) directly participated in these demonstrations, and 132 ha of land was covered by improved teff technologies. Before implementing the pre-scaling up activity in all selected areas, capacity building was carried out for stakeholders. Among the participants, training was provided to 342 farmers, 46 DAs, and 27 Experts who worked in both zones and Ambo town. Three improved teff varieties (Dagim, Quncho and Boset), those preferred and selected by farmers during PED were used with their full recommended practices. As a result, in every clustered district, the yields from those varieties outperformed the local variety of an identical crop. The Dagim variety yielded an average of 2.2 tons/ha from the cluster, Quncho 1.9 tons/ha, and Boset 2.25 tons/ha respectively. These yields exceeded the Zone's yield advantage of 2.128 tons/ha, higher above the average for the region (1.34 tons/ha) and the country (1.914 tons/ha) respectively based on CSA data of 2021. In order to fulfill the intended goal of providing the variety to a sufficient number of farmers and enhancing the productivity and output of the commodity in other places, it is imperative that the relationships between actors and important prospective stakeholders be strengthened.
EAS journal of veterinary medical science, Feb 18, 2024
The production of vegetables is very important to Ethiopia's economy and various types of vegetab... more The production of vegetables is very important to Ethiopia's economy and various types of vegetables can grow in Ethiopia. However, despite the existing potentials, smallholder vegetable farms are based on low input-low output production system in the country. The production is run by smallholder farmers and is located on a relatively small part of land. In the same way, there is inadequate knowledge on improved vegetables production practices, challenges and opportunities by smallholder farmers in the country and public research on vegetable crops was negligible. To this end, this review was aimed to assess practices of vegetable production and management, challenges of vegetable production and management and opportunity of vegetable production by small holder farming household. The review found that, vegetable production practices and management are not the primary activity for the majority of smallholder farming households in the country; rather, they are seen as a supplement to the production of major crops. It was mainly based on traditional farming system. Further the review found out that, lack of access to credit, limited supply of improved seed, marketing and market information, appropriate management techniques, appropriate disease and insect pest control measures, outbreak of new disease and pest are among the main challenges of vegetable production in the country. This is mainly because of the limited resource allocation to research and development including the extension services. Finally, the review recommends that, in promoting vegetable producer households, diversified and intensified agricultural farming, and problems related to extension service and research, credit service, disease and pest control, market and marketing information, and provision of modern agricultural inputs should be addressed by concerned bodies.
Middle East research journal of economics and management, Feb 25, 2024
Farming in Ethiopia can offer assistance in bringing dejected needs. Hence, the best possible mea... more Farming in Ethiopia can offer assistance in bringing dejected needs. Hence, the best possible means of achieving growth is by increasing the production efficiency of farmers. To estimate the levels of production efficiency, this study specifically used only data from farmers who are producing without plowing by oxen and without using fertilizers in the study area under shifting cultivation. Method: To determine the determinants of production efficiency, the Tobit model was used in this study. Result. The Tobit model results show that age of household, and herbicide use had a negative impact on the production efficiency of farmers. Regarding the positive determinants of production efficiency, labor, seed, and fertilizer (NPS) have a positive influence. Conclusion and Recommendation: The farmers in the study area are efficient in the production of maize. The government should give due attention to farmers' training by strengthening farmers' education and farmer training centers to make farmers more efficient producers and profitable by integrating local and traditional knowledge of farmers with formal knowledge of using herbicides. Farmers should also be advised, as they are youngest farmers engaging in farming work. Otherwise, the government should supply fertilizer and improve seed on credit.
East African scholars journal of economics, business and management, Jan 24, 2024
Malt barley is a high-opportunity cash crop, with great room for profitable expansion, particular... more Malt barley is a high-opportunity cash crop, with great room for profitable expansion, particularly when connected to growing breweries. With the intention of popularizing advanced malt barley varieties (IBON174/03 and HB-1963) on a large-scale demonstration farming approach, this activity was carried out in West Shewa Zone potential areas to increase production and productivity of malt barley technologies during 2020-2022 production seasons. West Shewa Zone was purposively selected based on agro-ecological zone as the target population for this cluster farming. From the Zone potential areas, three districts were randomly selected including Ambo, Toke kutaye and Elfeta Districts. From each district, 9 kebeles and 144 host farmers participated in this cluster based on their interest and availability of adjacent farm plots. Thus, 9 clusters were formed, and 60 ha of land was covered on improved malt barley technologies. Training was given for stakeholders for 144 farmers, 44 DAs, and 16 agricultural experts who worked in selected districts on barley production and management packages. The study found that the average yield from the IBON174/03 variety was 30qt ha -1 , 29qt ha -1 , and 28qtha -1 at Toke kutaye, Elfeta and Ambo districts, with an overall mean grain yield of 29qtha -1 . The HB-1963 variety yielded 26 qt ha -1, 24 qt ha -1 at Toke kutaye, Elfeta and Ambo districts respectively for an overall grain yield of 25 qt ha -1 . Therefore, from the researchers and farmers evaluation both demonstrated malt barley varieties were recommended for the study areas and similar agro-ecologies for further demonstration and dissemination.
Middle East research journal of economics and management, Jan 24, 2023
This research was conducted in Liban Jawi district West Shewa zone of the Oromia region to evalua... more This research was conducted in Liban Jawi district West Shewa zone of the Oromia region to evaluate the determinants that affect the participation decisions of smallholder farmers in teff cluster farming. A multistage sample procedure was used to collect the data. Liban Jawi District was purposely selected from the West Shewa zone due to the potential teff production and implementation of teff cluster farming. Next, based on the proportion of peasant association that undertakes cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs were stratified into two strata: cluster farming and non-cluster farming participants. Finally, 133 respondents were selected using systematic random sampling methods. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze relationships between a dichotomous dependent variable and explanatory variables. The results of this study indicated that among the selected variables used in the model, nine of them were found to have significant effects including the age of household head, gender, experience, land holding size, income, walking time to farmland, credit accessibility, participation in the demonstration, and access to training were statistically significant on participation decision of smallholder farmers decisions in teff cluster farming. Therefore, the Federal and or the regional government ought to enhance farmer associations to have the potential to significantly influence the participation decision-making process. In addition, to support farmers in adopting new varieties and increase their productivity, the government should give training, and increase extension linkages to enhance the participation decisions of farmers in cluster farming.
Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in Ethiopian hig... more Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in Ethiopian highlands. Its production is rapidly increasing where it has been a minor crop in the past. The empirical evidences on the determinants of agricultural technology adoption and their intensity of adoption are very limited. In this paper, determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of improved highland maize varieties were investigated by using descriptive statistics and econometric model (Tobit). Two stage sampling procedure was followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. The model result revealed that variables such as farm size, household income, access to credit, contact with extension agents, participation in training, and field day were positively and significantly influenced whereas, age of household and market distance negatively influenced adoption and intensity of use of improved highland maize varieties in the study area. Therefore, government policies and intervention on adoption and intensity use of agricultural technology should pay attention and move along with those variables significantly influencing adoption and intensity of use of new agricultural technology.
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2019
The study aims to reveal farmer's perceptions towards improved highland maize varieties in select... more The study aims to reveal farmer's perceptions towards improved highland maize varieties in selected kebeles of Toke kutaye districts. In this paper, farmer's perception towards improved highland maize varieties were investigated or measured using a scale with items developed for the purpose of this study. Two stage sampling procedures were followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. Responses of sample respondents on the perception related were analyzed using Likert type scale. Based on the level of agreements the result revealed that perception on disease resistant, high yielding potential of the varieties, early maturity of the varieties, agro ecological suitability and availability of seed at the right time and quality showed relatively best performance of the varieties in the study area. Whereas, perception on technological availability of the varieties indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered. Even if the advantages of the varieties are more for households of the study area, some farmers are discouraged to adopt the variety because of reasons such as demand more inputs, the lack of credit service, market problem, insect pest problem, lack of awareness and extension support on the technology. Therefore, the extension and research system have to look in to these factors to give solution for the adoption of the variety.
Middle East research journal of economics and management, Jan 10, 2024
Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an everincreasing demand. It plays ... more Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an everincreasing demand. It plays a fundamental role in food security, and a major challenge is to meet the additional requirements with new cultivars and improved cropping technologies. This research evaluated the determinant factors influencing participation decisions of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming at Dawo District SouthWest Shewa Zone Oromia region. Dawo District was purposefully selected from the SouthWest Shewa Zone due to its wheat potential agro-ecological area and implemented wheat cluster farming. Based on the proportion of PAs that undertake cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs stratified into two strata: These are Wheat cluster farming and wheat non-cluster farming participants. In total, 138 (participants 92 and non-participants 46) respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. The binary logistic regression results revealed that the education level of the household head, wheat farming experience of the household head, landholding size, distance to extension services, membership to cooperative, and access to credit services were the variables that significantly affected participation decision of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the research results recommend the need for continued and broad public and private awareness creation in agricultural innovations participation to address vital development challenges and the need for policy support for improving extension efforts and access to the full package for cluster implementation among smallholder farmers that stimulate participation decision on cluster farming of improved agricultural technologies.
Teff is one of the most important cereal crops in Oromia region in general and in West Showa in p... more Teff is one of the most important cereal crops in Oromia region in general and in West Showa in particular. It serves as a source of both food and cash income. In order to achieve food security, a lot of attempts have been made by the government in Ethiopia over the last three decades to bring changes in agricultural production through pre scaling up of agricultural technologies among smallholder farmers. The objectives the study was to create smallholder farmer's awareness and knowledge, enhancing implementation of full packages of teff production technologies, exploring the perceptions towards and share best practices, experiences, and lessons learned from the large-scale demonstration of teff varieties. The Large scale demonstration activity was carried out at Abuna Gindeberet and Gindeberet districts of West Showa zone Oromia region in six selected Kebeles. The sites were selected purposively based on the convenience of the area to the technologies, the potential area for teff production and accessibility for field monitoring and follow-ups. Finally in Abuna Gindeberet, 122 farmers were selected to implement the LSD on 52 ha of land and in Gindeberet district 73 farmers were selected with 40 ha of land for the cluster activity. The recommended amount of fertilizers applied at the recommended stage for the development of the plant. The overall agronomic practices have been implemented as per recommendation. From the LSD of improved teff varieties in both districts average, the higher yield 21.5 qts/ha were gotten from Dagim variety and 18.5 qts/ha yield of Quncho variety were obtained in production year 2019. Farmers raised that improved teff varieties are better high yielder than local ones, more early maturity, better in terms of disease resistance, not lodge than the local, the grain straw are very strong and have the traits of white in color with high performance which are high price difference during marketing than the local one. Therefore, awareness creations, popularizing improved seeds, facilitating credit availability are the important point to improve production and productivity of farmers in the study districts.
International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences, 2021
Small-scale irrigation is the feasible way by which agricultural production and productivity can ... more Small-scale irrigation is the feasible way by which agricultural production and productivity can be enhanced to meet the ever-growing food demand of populated countries like Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess factors affecting farm households’ participation decision in small-scale irrigation using the primary data collected from 220 sample households from Walmara district, central Ethiopia. Both descriptive and econometric data analyses were conducted to analyze the collected data. The logistic regression result revealed that the sex of the household head, size of land owned, the occurrence of crop pests during the main season, family size, and access to credit services were the variables that positively and significantly affected household participation decision in small scale irrigation, while age of the household head, number of livestock owned and distance from irrigation site were the variables that negatively and significantly affected households’ participation decis...
Tef is among the major cereal crops in the Horn of Africa particularly in Ethiopia where it is nu... more Tef is among the major cereal crops in the Horn of Africa particularly in Ethiopia where it is number one in terms of land allocated to its cultivation. This crop is the major staple food crop to most of the Ethiopian people living in the highlands which comprise more than 65% of the population. This study was aimed at analyzing farmers' perception towards improved Quncho teff varieties and constraints faced in producing improved teff variety in Gindeberet district. A descriptive survey design was adopted in which 150 respondents were randomly selected from six Peasant association of the district to collect the required data. The study result revealed that depending on the items developed for this study among the given agreements perception on high yield potential of the variety, increase production and yield, availability of the technology on production and agro-ecological suitability of the variety had showed relatively best performance of the varieties, whereas availability of the improved seed at the right time with its quality and disease resistance of the crop indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered. The overall finding revealed that, the government and other stakeholders should invest in farmer training since it enables farmers to understand well technologies and perceive their benefits increasing their probability to adopt agricultural technologies and provide adequate extension services and solve un availability of improved seed at the right time, high prices of inputs particularly improved seeds, pesticides and fertilizers in the district.
Journal of economics and sustainable development, 2018
Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in the highlands... more Improved highland Maize is a new and promising crop gradually becoming important in the highlands of Ethiopia. Its production is rapidly increasing in the highland parts of the country where it has been a minor crop in the past. The empirical evidences on the determinants of agricultural technology adoption and their intensity of adoption are very limited. In this paper, determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of improved highland maize varieties were investigated by using descriptive statistics and econometric model (Tobit). Two stage sampling procedure was followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. The model result revealed that variables such as farm size, household income, access to credit, contact with extension agents, participation in training, and field day were positively and significantly influenced whereas, age of household and market distance negatively influenced adoption and intensity of use of improved highland maize varieties production in the study...
International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2021
The activity was conducted for two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020 cropping season at Ambo and D... more The activity was conducted for two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020 cropping season at Ambo and Dandi districts of West Showa Zone with the objective to evaluate for grain yield, yield related traits and farmers' perception or preference and the performance of improved teff variety along with recommended package. Sites were selected based on teff production potential of the area. Two districts and three PAs from each district and eighteen target farmers were purposively selected on the ground that they are the leading producer of teff in the area. Training was given for farmers, Development Agents and experts on production of improved teff technologies from site selection up to postharvest practices of improved teff variety. Quantitative data such as yield data was collected and analysed using SPSS, whereas farmers feedback were analysed qualitatively. Recommended seed and fertilizer rate were used for the demonstration trial establishment. According to the result of Dagim variety, mean grain yield 18.79 qt/he and 25.51 qt/he were recorded in Ambo and dendi districts respectively. Thus, Dagim variety is recommended for further scaling up activities at Ambo and Dendi districts taking into consideration of its productivity. Farmers of those areas should use the variety in order to increases their teff production and enhance their income from teff.
Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) was originated in the central high lands of the Andes in South Amer... more Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) was originated in the central high lands of the Andes in South America and was brought to Europe in the 16th century. It is the world's fourth most widely cultivated food crop after wheat, rice and maize. Ethiopia has considerable potential for potato cultivation, as 70 percent of its arable land is suitable mainly highland areas above 1500 meters of altitude. Also, the country is one of the major producers in Eastern Africa because of its suitable agro-ecology and its domestic consumption levels. The main objective of the review was to know potato production and marketing status by small holder farmers in Ethiopia. The data were collected from secondary sources mainly from FAOSTAT, CSA and different published materials on production and marketing chain in Ethiopia. The general idea of the review shows that Ethiopia has potential for potato production but lack of certified improved seed for potato producers, local seed multipliers have limited access to information and depend on low-quality local potato varieties selected and multiplied according to individual knowledge, the high cost of agro-chemicals either refuse to purchase fertilizer or apply inadequate amounts per hectare. In addition, the use of the same type of chemicals repeatedly allows pests and diseases to develop resistance. The major constraints of potato marketing involve poor storage and handling and low upgrading strategies to the commodity. Lack of market information providing institutions, higher input price, multiple taxes, and chemical herbicides, adulteration, absence of road service, poor product quality and high cost of input, weak market linkages among market. Therefore, the government and other concerned bodies should focus on increasing production and productivity of potato which in turn focused for establishing well potato market development for mutual benefits of all actors.
There is exhaustive literature on technology adoption rates and the relationship between technolo... more There is exhaustive literature on technology adoption rates and the relationship between technology adoption and relevant socioeconomic and policy variables. Yet adoption estimates derived from the application of standard techniques such as the probit and tobit yield biased estimates. This paper applies the modern evaluation technique: the counterfactual outcome framework to data from about 400 households in Malawi to assess the patterns of diffusion and adoption of improved pigeonpea varieties and their determinants. We find the sample adoption rate of improved varieties to be 14 % while the potential adoption rate if the improved varieties were widely disseminated is estimated at 41 %. The adoption gap resulting from the incomplete exposure to the improved pigeonpea is 27 %. Moreover, adoption is also found to be high among female-headed households, older farmers and those with access to credit. The findings suggest that for increased adoption, there is need for increased involvement of extension workers is the dissemination of information about improved pigeonpea varieties, a robust pigeonpea seed system to increase seed availability to farmers as well as the need for improved access to credit.
Manufacturing sector dominates world businesses and are estimated to be more than 95% of all busi... more Manufacturing sector dominates world businesses and are estimated to be more than 95% of all businesses worldwide, providing over 60% employment in the private sector. In spite of their immense contributions, literature has established that the Nigerian manufacturing sector including the consumer goods sector have tottered over the years such that many of them find it difficult to compete at the local and global market. This situation could be due to limited use of ICT devices. While studies have linked ICT use to competitiveness of manufacturing firms, none has examined the influence of ICT use on the competitiveness of consumer goods manufacturing companies in Lagos state, Nigeria, hence, this study. Survey design was used. The population for the study was 14,572 employees of consumer goods manufacturing companies operating in Lagos State. The sample size of 394 staff was determined by using Taro Yamane formular. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 394 respondents ac...
Ethiopia implemented several extensions approach to the agricultural sector since mid-1960s. This... more Ethiopia implemented several extensions approach to the agricultural sector since mid-1960s. This paper reviews the literatures on agricultural extension systems in Ethiopia and provides an overview of recent evidence on agricultural extension systems and explores the conceptual suggestion in technology dissemination and popularization. Farmer production clusters is a group of farmers who work together on shared interests and towards a common goal and these groups of farmers are required to adopt the latest full-package farm recommendations. The agricultural commercialization cluster initiative in Ethiopia across the four major agricultural regions of the country in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and SNNPR is implemented with the aim of improving livelihoods, food quality and affordability, import substitution, export and agro-processing and creation of job opportunities. The observed data from ATA and CSA, 2019/20 in major crops on wheat, maize, barley, tef and sesame production in Tigray,...
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