Factors Affecting the Adoption of Improved Sorghum Varieties in Awbare District of Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

     The main purpose of this research was to identify factors that affected the adoption of improved sorghum varieties in Awbare District of Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Individual interviews were conducted to collect data from 180 households in eight kebeles. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons using a t-test and chi-square test were employed to analyze data. The findings indicated that the adopters of improved sorghum varieties were more educated, younger in age, had a larger farm size, had more shoats, lived in a better house, owned a radio and had a positive attitude towards improved sorghum varieties when compared to the non-adopters. The results of the study confirmed that a farmer who had better economic status (as evidenced by larger farm size, more shoats and a better quality house) and had access to market information might be a greater technology adopter. Moreover, targeting younger educated farmers may enhance the adoption of new agricultural technology in the area. High priorities to promote technology adoption are the provision of extension agents with transportation facilities and the establishment of community radio stations.