Determinants of Adoption of Irrigated Wheat by Smallholder Farmers in West Shoa Zone, Elfeta District, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess determinants of adoption of irrigated wheat farming practices by smallholder farming households in Elfeta District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A mixed research design (a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis) was employed and both primary and secondary data were collected. From Elfeta District, three Kebeles were purposively selected. Data were collected from 140 households which comprised of 49 adopters and 91 non- adopters. Data collection methods were household survey questionnaire, key informant interview, focus group discussion and review of related reports. The study used descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and chi-square test for data analysis. The researcher used a logit model to identify determinants of adoption of irrigated wheat farming practices and applied the model to estimate the pulling factors affecting adoption of irrigated wheat farming practices between adopters and non-adopters. The descriptive result of the study indicated that the households who adopt irrigated wheat farming tend to ensure household food availability, increased household income and food self-sufficiency at household level than those who do not adopt. Shortage of water, fear of bird attack credit in accessibility, on set early rain coming and conflict of interests were the main hindering of households’ adoptin of irrigated wheat farming practices in the study area. Therefore, to overcome the influences government and a ny concerned stakeholders should necessities revisiting of the current extension strategies on how to expand irrigated wheat farming practices; and provision of need based training for the farming to improve their attitude and perceptions on adoption of irrigated wheat farming practices in order to minimize the problem of households food shortage or food-insecurity in the study area.