Abstract
The study aims to reveal farmer’s perceptions towards improved highland maize varieties in selected kebeles of Toke kutaye districts. In this paper, farmer’s perception towards improved highland maize varieties were investigated or measured using a scale with items developed for the purpose of this study. Two stage sampling procedures were followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. Responses of sample respondents on the perception related were analyzed using Likert type scale. Based on the level of agreements the result revealed that perception on disease resistant, high yielding potential of the varieties, early maturity of the varieties, agro ecological suitability and availability of seed at the right time and quality showed relatively best performance of the varieties in the study area. Whereas, perception on technological availability of the varieties indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered. Even if the advantages of the varieties are more for households of the study area, some farmers are discouraged to adopt the variety because of reasons such as demand more inputs, the lack of credit service, market problem, insect pest problem, lack of awareness and extension support on the technology. Therefore, the extension and research system have to look in to these factors to give solution for the adoption of the variety.
Highlights
Food security is a major socio-political issue in Ethiopia, and elsewhere in Africa
Focus Group Discussions (FGD) discussion explained the role played by women in highland maize cultivation as very crucial
Perception on technological availability of the varieties indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered
Summary
Food security is a major socio-political issue in Ethiopia, and elsewhere in Africa. Ethiopia has long suffered from food shortages and economic under development even though it is endowed with a wide range of crop and agro-ecological diversity. Maize has expanded rapidly and transformed production systems in Africa as a popular and widely cultivated food crop since its introduction to the continent around 1500 A.D. according to [11] cited in [15]. The rate of growth for area declined following the great drought of 1974, and while there was expansion in the 1980s, the average annual yield was volatile and rarely exceeded 1.5 MT/ha. Maize production and its status in determining food security in the country received a major focus in the mid-1980s, spurred by the 1984 devastating drought and the famine that followed.
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