Determinants of Research-Extension-Farmers Linkage in the Process of Technology Transfer: The Case of Dangila District, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at Dangila district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. The concept of linkage in this study is communication and work together to develop and disseminate improved agricultural technologies to farmers. Researchers and development agents are the main actors in the process of technology release and transfer and their achievement depends on strong linkages with each other. The lack of integration and coordination between agricultural research and extension has resulted in confusion as to who should undertake on-farm verifications and pre-extension trials before making technologies directly available to farmers. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the factors that influence farmers’ participation on the technology demonstration. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used for selecting respondents and study area for this study. The data collection tools also included interview schedules and check lists. The data were analyzed through binary logistic regression model. The binary logistic regression model analysis result indicated that, Sex, education, extension advisory service and land ownership factors were significantly influence the farmers’ participation on the technology demonstration. In general perspective role of linkages in the process of technology transfer in Ethiopia were weak. The major reasons were non/little involvement of farmers in the research system, top-down approach, poor use of linkage mechanisms and strategies.