Abstract:
Both organic and chemical fertilizers play a vital role in enhancing crop productivity and maintaining soil fertility. The main objective of the study was to determine the farmer's adoption of vermicomposting technology, socioeconomic contribution, and determinant factors in Tokke Kutaye District, West Shewa Zone Oromia Regional, State Ethiopia. The study was conducted on a total of 258 out of these, 80 farmers were adopters of vermicompost commercially whereas, 178 were no adopters, and samples were selected using the Random Sampling method. Data were collected by using an interview andprimary and secondary data using simple random sampling techniques during data collection. Multiple linear regressions were computed using SPSS (v.23). The farming sector is predominantly male, with men making up 88.37% of respondents and women 11.62%. A significant majority (93.02%) of farmers is married and majority of respondents have basic education, with 69.74% having completed 1-8th grade and only 5% holding higher education. Most respondents (96.89%) engage in mixed farming, integrating crops and livestock. The average age of respondents is 33 years, with a narrow range indicating a relatively young to middle-aged farming population. The average annual income is ETB 5,500, with significant variability. On average, farmers received 3.5 training sessions. Teff is the most commonly produced crop, followed by wheat, barley, and maize. A majority (61.24%) use inorganic fertilizers, which offer immediate results but can lead to long-term soil degradation. Overall, the data highlights a male-dominated sector with a stable family structure, a majority with basic education, and a preference for mixed farming. Efforts to address gender imbalances, increase educational opportunities, and support sustainable practices like vermicomposting could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Promote gender equity by ensuring women have equal access to resources, training, and decision-making roles in agriculture, Expand training programs to advance farmers' knowledge in modern and sustainable agricultural practices, Encourage vermicomposting and other sustainable practices by improving resource access and showcasing their long-term benefits and Balance the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to meet immediate crop needs while maintaining soil health. The reliance on inorganic fertilizers highlights an immediate approach to soil fertility, albeit with potential long-term impacts on soil health. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions can improve productivity and sustainability in agriculture
