DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED POTATO VARIETIES: THE CASE OF KERSA DISTRICT, OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study focuses on the determinants of adoption of improved potato varieties in Kersa district, Oromia National Region State, Ethiopia. Specifically, this study was initiated to analyze factors influencing adoption of improved potato varieties and to determine the intensity of adoption of improved potato varieties using cross-sectional data. The data were collected from 200 sample households using multistage sampling procedure. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric model. The finding showed that 127 were adopters of improved potato varieties while the remaining 73 were non-adopters. The results of the first hurdle indicated that education level, farm income, access to irrigation, access to extension services and lnon-farm income were positively and significantly influenced the adoption of improved potato varieties. In the second hurdle model, lnFarm income, access to irrigation, non-farm income and memberships to agricultural cooperatives have positively and significantly influenced the intensity of adoption of improved potato varieties. This study concludes that socio-economic and institutional factors play vital role in determining the improved potato varieties adoption and intensity of adoption in the study area. Therefore, paying close attention to those significant variables that enhance adoption and intensity of adoption of improved potato varieties so as to increases production and productivity of farmers is vital in the study area