Farmer’s Perception Towards Agricultural Technology. The Case of Improved Highland Maize Varieties Adoption in Selected Kebeles of Toke Kutaye District, West Showa Zone

Dawit Milkias

doi:10.7176/jesd/10-5-09

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. Keywords: Highland maize, Perception, Likert type scale, agreements DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-5-09 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Highlights

1.1 Background of the study Maize is the most widely grown and consumed staple crop in Africa with more than 300 million Africans depending on it as their main food source
Research in to maize improvement practices to optimize grain yields is a priority for governments in the region because of the critical role the crop plays in ensuring food security [3]
Perception on technological availability of the varieties indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered

Summary

Introduction

1.1 Background of the study Maize is the most widely grown and consumed staple crop in Africa with more than 300 million Africans depending on it as their main food source. It is the staple food for 24 million households in east and southern Africa and is annually planted over an area of 15.5 million hectares. Research in to maize improvement practices to optimize grain yields is a priority for governments in the region because of the critical role the crop plays in ensuring food security [3]. Cereals play a central role accounting for roughly 60% of rural employment, 80% of total cultivated land. The implication is that if smallholder farmers have got the ability to adopt the improved maize technologies, they can produce more

Methods

Results

Conclusion