Extension Contact Research Articles

Analysis of Factors Affecting Participation of Smallholder Farmers in Wheat Cluster Farming: The Case of Gasera District, Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main means of livelihood in Africa. Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. This study focused on the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmer’s participation in wheat cluster farming in Gasera District of Bale zone. A multi-stage sampling method was employed for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 259 sample respondents in three selected Kebeles out of 24 total kebeles in the woreda. Primary data sources were generated using an interview schedule, five Focus Group Discussions, and eight key informant interviews. Besides, secondary data were obtained from literature and the Woreda Agricultural Office. Both descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed to analyze the collected data. The descriptive statistics results showed that from the total sampled households, 169 (65.3%) were participant and, 90 (34.7%) were non-participant smallholder farmers of wheat cluster farming technology. According to the probit regression model, education status, wheat land, livestock size, frequency of extension contact, credit access, availability of fair price, market information, agricultural input access, training access and membership in a cooperative had a positive influence on farmers’ decisions to participate in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the local community, Woreda Agriculture Office and research institutes need to expand cluster farming technology to increase wheat production and policies aiming at increasing farmers’ awareness of producing wheat in cluster to increase yield of farmers.

Determinants of commercialization among onion producer households in southern Ethiopia: a double hurdle approach

This study examined the determinants of onion commercialization of smallholder farmers in the Wolayita and Gomo zones of southern Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 160 onion producers by using a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and the double-hurdle econometric model were employed in the analysis. The descriptive statistics indicated that the mean commercialization level of smallholder farmers in the study area was 79.51%, highlighting that onion producers in this region primarily focus on marketing their produce. Using the econometric model the first-stage double hurdle results revealed that family size, farming experience, frequency of extension contacts, and distance to the nearest market were factors significantly affecting the market participation decision of onion producers. The second stage of the double hurdle results indicates that education level, family size, frequency of extension contacts, land size allotted for onion production, and distance to the nearest market were factors that significantly affected the level of onion commercialization. Therefore, policies aimed at increasing farmers' access to better road networks and transportation facilities, improving access to education, promoting agricultural training programs, and improving extension services are recommended to improve the commercialization of onion production.

Relationships and determinants of adoption of sustainable land management technologies in Eastern and Southern Highlands of Ethiopia

Degraded land is a major danger to agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. Sustainable land management technologies (SLMTs), through targeted interventions, have been applied to address this problem. Notwithstanding some of the known agricultural and environmental benefits connected with the adoption of some SLMTs, the adoption rate remains below expectations. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationships and determinants of the adoption of SLMTs in eastern and southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 sampled households selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model were used to analyze data. Estimated results of MVP revealed that the adoption of SLMTs is positively and significantly influenced by education level, livestock, membership in a social group, extension contacts, access to SLM information, training, credit, land tenure, and slope, while age, farm distance, and the number of active family members due to youth migration abroad had negative effects. The widely adopted SLMTs on farmlands were inorganic fertilizer (49.5%), soil bunds (48.4%), bench terraces (47.2%), intercropping (46.1%), and manure (38%). This study concluded that farmers invested a blend of SLMTs, some of which complemented and others substituted for one another. Therefore, policy-makers and planners should focus on fortifying human and local institutions’ capacity to implement SLM and consider SLM technology interdependencies before communicating with farmers.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed value chain: implications for a sustainable seed supply in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This research aimed to assess the production performance of faba beans, quantify the yield gap, and measure the adoption levels of improved varieties to map the actors and identify the major constraints of the faba bean seed value chain. The paper was based on primary data collected from a random sample of 168 farmers. The adoption rate of improved faba bean seed at the household level in the study area was 23%. It was low, primarily due to a lack of access to improved seeds (59.5%) and a lack of knowledge about the availability of improved varieties (23%). Improved seed users had a 13% higher average yield than non-users and received an 11% premium market price for better seed quality, uniform appearance, and larger beans. Furthermore, the econometric analysis revealed that family size and extension contact significantly influence farmers' use of improved seed. Adoption was positively and significantly associated with extension contact at the p < .001 level and inversely correlated with family size (p < .05), thereby indicating that larger families were less likely to adopt. Farmers' saved seed was their most important source of planting material. The formal seed industry only supplies about 2.2% of the total faba bean seed. Hence, farmer-to-farmer seed exchange, own-saved seed, community-based seed production, scaling activities, seed producer and marketing cooperatives, and farmer-to-farmer seed exchange were the main sources of faba bean seed. The main limitations to faba bean production were disease, limited availability of improved seeds, frost, and damage caused by pests. The study recommends promoting improved varieties, improving access to extension services, strengthening and improving the informal seed system, and linking and integrating all the actors in the chain. The institutional linkage and intensive communication among all the stakeholders are also important for technology scaling up and farmers’ easy access to improved seeds.

Assessing awareness of IoT-driven strategies for poultry management in mitigating increased ambient heat in Enugu, Nigeria

The study examined awareness level of Internet of Things (IoT)-driven strategies in mitigating impacts of increased ambient heat load in poultry pens by poultry farmers in a smart city like Enugu, Nigeria. With the rising challenges of climate change, increased ambient heat load within poultry pens poses a significant threat to poultry production. Understanding farmers’ perception of impact of increased ambient heat load and their awareness of IoT-driven strategies for its mitigation is crucial for sustainable poultry system management in smart cities. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 240 poultry farmers from the three Local Government Areas that make up Enugu City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and Likert rating scale were used to analyze the data. The study identified socio-demographic factors influencing farmers’ perception of impact of increased heat load and awareness/ adoption of IoT-driven mitigation strategies. Education level (45% secondary education), access to information (29.2%) and financial resources (22.9%) were key determinants. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among poultry farmers regarding IoT-driven strategies while the constraints faced by farmers in implementing sustainable IoT-driven mitigation strategies included lack of awareness, lack of funding/high initial investment, limited access to technology, inadequate training, poor extension contact, water availability and climate variability. The study concluded that majority of poultry farmers shared similar perceptions about the impact of increased ambient heat load on poultry species but however were not aware of many of the IoT-driven strategies to mitigate the impact and were limited by a number of constraints or challenges to adopting IoT-driven mitigation strategies which altogether could improve poultry production system and help to achieve animal protein security in a smart city like Enugu, Nigeria. The study further recommended enlightenment of poultry farmers on the impact of increased ambient heat load on poultry species and available/sustainable/harmonized IoT-enabled guidelines or solutions to mitigate heat load in smart cities’ poultry production system.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the economic efficiency of groundnut production in Kano State, Nigeria. Using a simple random sampling, two hundred and sixty-seven (267) farmers were selected and interviewed from nine communities, under the three selected LGAs from the study area. Descriptive statistics, DEA, as well as Tobit regression model were used for data analysis. The result of the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) reveals that the farmers were operating below the optimum frontier with average Technical Efficient (TE), Allocative Efficiency (AE) and Economic Efficiency (EE) scores was 0.265, 0.371 and 0.098 respectively, with the GM enterprise having a higher mean TE score of (0.7654). All the inefficiency variables met a prior expectation with positive coefficients except age and level of education. This indicates that increase in age and years of schooling have minimal effect in reducing the farmers’ inefficiency in groundnut production. Four out of the eight fitted inefficiency variables were significant at 10%, while three at 5%, but the extension contact was not significant. It was thus concluded that even though groundnut production enterprise is a profitable one, groundnut farmers in the study area were both technical and allocative inefficient. It was therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged through extension to adopt new available technologies and improved varieties which will help improve both their technical and cost efficiency thereby widen their margin gaps.

Livestock farming and women empowerment in rural Bangladesh: a mixed method approach

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, livestock farming is not only a major source of animal protein, but it also provides opportunities for women to contribute to household income. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the empowerment status of women livestock farmers, factors influencing women's participation in livestock farming and its impact on women's empowerment.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Mymensingh district (administrative unit) of Bangladesh, due to the active participation of women in livestock farming activities. A total of 200 women were surveyed between May to November 2018. Additionally, prior to the final survey, 02 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were performed to gain insight into the context of the study areas. Furthermore, a total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with 12 experienced women livestock farmers to collect data regarding the challenges they encounter in livestock farming. Women empowerment was measured using four domains: decision-making process, ownership of assets, social and political awareness, and freedom of mobility. Descriptive statistics, and Heckman's endogenous treatment effect model were applied to analyze the data.ResultsThe results revealed that majority (75%) of women who are involved in livestock farming had a medium level of empowerment. Women's decision to participate in livestock farming was positively influenced by farm size, knowledge, extension contact, and training. According to the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) value, the empowerment status of women is 16 points higher among participants in livestock farming compared to non-participants. Furthermore, women in rural areas face several obstacles such as economic issues and inadequate marketing facilities, which may prevent them from engaging in livestock farming.ConclusionsEducating women through raising awareness and providing training is warranted because there is a notable disparity in the empowerment status of women who are and are not involved in livestock farming. This will help women improve their social awareness, decision-making capacity, and mobility. Livestock initiatives that encourage women's involvement could be generated by various rural-focused organizations.

Does cluster beekeeping improve the efficiency of honey production in participant households in southwestern Ethiopia?

The purpose of this study is to understand the determinants of participation in cluster beekeeping and its impact on the technical efficiency of honey production in southwestern Ethiopia. To this end, cross-sectional data from a household survey conducted in 2023 from 385 sample households in 3 districts were used for the analysis. An endogenous switching regression model with a probit model was used to analyze the impact of clustering beekeepers on the technical efficacy of honey production. The results of the study showed that honey production was significantly and favorably affected by the total number of hives, type of hive, and distance to an accessible forest. As indicated by the average technical efficiency (TE) at 72 %, the actual quantity of production differed from the desired production volume. The results show that the gender of the household head, access to training, access to credit, market information, frequency of extension contacts, and age of the household head are the most important determinants of households' decision to participate in group beekeeping. In addition, the result of the endogenous switching regression (ESR) model shows that participation in group beekeeping has a positive and significant effect on honey production efficiency as measured by technical efficiency (TE). Farmers who participated in cluster beekeeping were technically less inefficient than those who did not participate. Therefore, policies and development strategies that encourage further participation in cluster beekeeping could improve the efficiency of honey production of smallholder farmers in Jimma Zone, southwestern Ethiopia.

Microcredit via digital innovation platforms: its drivers and impact on fish farms' yield and income in Nigeria

PurposeFish farmers in Africa often operate on small-scale culture units, primarily due to poor access to funding and low technology adoption. Digital innovation platforms seek to enhance farmers’ access to finance, production and farmers’ income. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support these claims. Therefore, this study investigated the factors influencing fish farmers’ access to microcredit from digital innovation platforms and the impact of this microcredit on fish farms’ yield and income in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was adopted, and data were gathered from 387 fish farmers through a well-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using probit regression and instrumental variable two-stage least squares regression.FindingsThe results revealed that ownership of smartphones, awareness of digital agricultural innovation platforms, farmers’ education, income, fish farming as a primary occupation, cooperative society and extension contacts positively influenced farmers’ access to microcredit from digital innovation platforms. The age of farmers and household size negatively influenced their access to digital microcredit. Digital microcredit positively and significantly impacted fish farms’ yield and farmers’ income.Practical implicationsDigital microcredit significantly increased fish farm yield and income. Therefore, digital innovation platforms should be encouraged and promoted through the creation of awareness about their ability to solve inadequate financing in agriculture by agricultural extension agents.Originality/valueThis study contributes to our understanding of the influencing factors for farmers accessing digital microcredit and how digital microcredit enhances farm yield and income.

Is adoption of modern dairy farming technologies interrelated? A case of smallholder dairy farmers in Meru county, Kenya

Attempts have been made to promote the adoption of modern dairy farming technologies (MDFT). However, the adoption of these technologies largely remains underutilized. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of the adoption of MDFTs in Meru County. Using purposive and proportionate sampling techniques from 355 smallholder dairy farmers in Meru County, Kenya, this study analyzed the factors that facilitate or impede the adoption of MDFTs. We use a Multivariate probit (MVP) to evaluate adoption decisions by dairy farm households facing multiple MDFTs. The results reveal a significant correlation among the eight MDFTs suggesting that modern technologies are interrelated. The MVP model results indicate that household income, education level, number of extension contacts, access to credit, farmer group membership, farming experience and livestock monetary value had positive effect on the adoption of MDFTs. Education level and extension contacts had a positive influence on the adoption of fodder establishment and preservation technologies. Farming experience in dairy farming had a positive effect on the adoption of well-structured and clean sleeping areas, and the growth of Rhodes grass. Household income had a positive effect on the growth of Rhodes grass and feed mixture. This work illustrates a need for a policy implication and insight into a need for the county government and private milk processing companies to increase extension frequency to enhance the adoption of MDFTs. Additionally, there is a need to increase access to affordable credit, this should be considered by the government by establishing strengthening a smallholder low-interest and efficient local credit schemes and institutions.

Economic Efficiency of Potato Production by Smallholder Farmers in West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region Ethiopia

This study investigated Economic Efficiency of Potato Production in West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 117 respondents randomly selected from designated locations in West Arsi Zone. A stochastic production frontier function was fitted to the sample households. The result revealed that the mean TE, AE and EE was about 75.60%, 91.41% and 69.07% of for potato production. The sum of the partial elasticity of all inputs were 1.17 for Potato indicating an increase in all inputs at the sample mean by one percent increase by 1.17%. This indicates that the production function is characterized by increasing returns to scale productions. The result of Tobit model estimation indicated that the technical efficiency of Potato production in West Arsi Zone is significantly influenced by the variables potato farming experience, education level, social participation and Extension contact affect efficiency positively while, distance to FTC affect technical efficiency negatively. The mean potato yield difference between sample farmer due to technical efficiency variation was 31.04 qt per ha. District office of Agriculture, stockholders and concerned bodies should focus on farmers experience sharing, providing technical support and farmers practice different social participation to improve his/her income could jointly contribute to the improvement in efficiency of Potato farmers in West Arsi Zone.

Factors Affecting Knowledge and Adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Practices in Rice Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in Haryana, India

The study was conducted in 2022 in Haryana. Following the ex-post facto methodology, this study assessed the profile characteristics of farmers practicing the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) and their knowledge and adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices. The majority of respondents were middle-aged, with a significant portion possessing education up to the higher secondary level. Most respondents belonged to the general category and practiced farming as their primary occupation. The analysis revealed that larger landholdings positively influenced socio-economic status, leading to better adoption of INM practices. While the knowledge and adoption of INM practices varied among respondents, education, landholding, farming experience, social participation, and extension contacts were significantly correlated with higher awareness and adoption levels. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational and awareness programs to enhance the adoption of INM practices among farmers, particularly focusing on younger and more educated individuals.

Influential Factors Shaping Farmers Knowledge Levels Regarding Critical Interventions in Dryland Farming in Drought Prone Region of Andhra Pradesh

This study was conducted to investigate the profile, knowledge, and adoption of critical interventions among dryland farmers in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Ex post facto research design was followed for the study and a sample of 120 dryland farmers were drawn. The research focused on the association between 16 independent variables and dryland farmers' knowledge and adoption of critical interventions in redgram and cotton. The findings revealed that variables such as education, land holding, yield, annual income, extension contact, mass media exposure, information seeking behavior, social participation, credit orientation, risk preference, irrigation status, economic orientation, decision making ability, and cropping pattern were positively and significantly related to knowledge and adoption of critical interventions in both crops. Conversely, age and experience in dryland farming were negatively and significantly related to knowledge and adoption. The independent variables explained 85.20% of the variation in knowledge on critical interventions in redgram, 76.80% in cotton, and 74.70% and 72.80% in the extent of adoption of critical interventions in redgram and cotton, respectively. These findings suggest that addressing these factors can enhance dryland farmers' knowledge and adoption of critical interventions, ultimately improving productivity and sustainability. Specifically, increasing education, land holding, yield, and annual income, and promoting extension contact, mass media exposure, and social participation can positively impact knowledge and adoption. Additionally, improving credit orientation, risk preference, irrigation status, economic orientation, and decision-making ability can also enhance adoption. Conversely, addressing the negative impact of age and experience is crucial. Overall, this study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to enhancing dryland farmers' knowledge and adoption of critical interventions.

Determinants of maize farmers willingness to pay for private extension services in Ejisu municipality, Ghana

In recent times, private sector involvement in extension services delivery in Ghana has increased. We assessed farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for private extension services. We used quantitative techniques and selected 385 farmers through multistage sampling technique. Farmers’ had a good perception of private extension services because of its flexibility, availability, value for money, and acceptable rates. Income, secondary occupation, marital status, extension contact, amount of maize sold every season, and land tenure system have an effect on farmers' WTP and the amount to pay. Government policies should continue to encourage and support private sector participation in providing extension services.

Determinants of Farmers' Awareness and Perspectives on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Southern Tamil Nadu, India

Farmers in India face numerous risks that significantly impact their crop production, highlighting the need for effective crop insurance. Recognizing the limitations of the existing crop insurance system, the Government of India initiated the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during the Kharif 2016 season. This scheme offers competitive premiums and favourable terms, yet coverage of farmers remains low. This study investigates the factors influencing the farmers’ awareness and perceptions of the PMFBY scheme. The survey was conducted to collect primary data from 350 cotton farmers in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Findings reveal that while farmers have partial awareness of various aspects of crop insurance, they are generally informed about premiums and procedural requirements. The probit model analysis identifies that education, organizational membership, mass media exposure, and extension contacts have a positive influence on farmers' awareness levels. However, negative perceptions persist, particularly concerning delayed claims, inadequate compensation, and high premium rates. This study recommends the implementation of government-led awareness programs designed to educate and cultivate greater awareness among farmers regarding crop insurance and its benefits. Such initiatives could enhance demand for crop insurance to mitigate the adverse impacts and ensure greater sustainability of farmers' livelihoods.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Modern Beehive Technology in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study attempted to identify adoption status, factors affecting the adoption decision and intensity, and identify major constraints of beekeepers for modern beehive adoption. Agriculture is a backbone of country economy. Beekeeping is one of an agricultural subsector which is a sustainable and low-investment strategy for poverty reduction. Both qualitative and quantitative data collected from a sample of 180 beekeepers which collected from three districts of West Hararghe zone and analyzed using STATA software. Heckman two-stage model was employed for the analyses. In study area less than half of the beekeepers were adopters of modern beehive technology. Heckman two-stage model of first-stage results revealed that households’ decision to adopt modern beehive were influenced by factors such as age of household head, education level, livestock owned (tlu) and number of extension contact. Furthermore, the second-stage results indicated that intensity of modern beehive adoption of households’ was influenced by factors such as distance from FTC, access to accessory, livestock owned (tlu), access to training and number of extension contact. From policy perspective improving distribution of modern beehive with full package; encourage extension service, and focus on the deliverance of training are crucial for the adoption of beekeeping technologies and increasing honey production.

A Study on Profile Characteristics of Stakeholders of Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs)

In this modern era, farmers encounter difficulties in receiving timely services from extension agents. So, technological advancement in quality of services, speed in deliverables and precision actions are possible by creating proper interface between farmers, scientists, extension officers, service providers etc. and by bringing innovation/sustainable interventions in agriculture and allied sector. With this context as a new extension reform, Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched Rythu Bharosa Kendras. The study was carried out in Srikakulam, Prakasam and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 409 stakeholders were selected, among them 361 were farmers and 12 were scientis, 24 MAOs/DAOs, 12VAAs were selected for the study. The objective of the study was to know the profile of stakeholders of RBKs. The results of the study showed that majority of the farmers had medium extension contact (41.83%), medium mass media exposure (39.33%), medium innovativeness (42.66%), medium training undergone (38.23%), medium digital literacy (45.43%), medium possession of digital tools (44.88%), medium frequency of use of digital tools (44.32%), medium perception on RBKs(43.77% ), medium information sharing behaviour (45.16%). In case of stakeholders most of them had high mass media exposure (45.63%), medium innovatveness (64.58%), medium training undergone (72.92%),high digital literacy (50.00%),medium possession of digital tools (45.83%),high frequency of use of digital tools (50.00%), medium perception on RBKs (52.08%) and medium information sharing behaviour (56.25%) and the chi-square were done to know the siginificance difference. From the above results it is clear that most of the farmers were belonged to medium to high level so there is a need to enhance their knowledge and use of digital technologies which helps to provide better connections and communication among these farmers to get up-to-date information with the latest agricultural practices and innovations. Regarding stakeholders most of them belonged to medium to high level because it enables them to access and disseminate information more effectively by using digital tools and also helps in bridging the information gap. This dual approach will facilitate a more integrated and efficient agricultural information system, ultimately benefiting the entire agricultural community.

Smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for improved irrigation water use: the case of Menz Mama Midir Woreda in North Shewa Zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The water use practices in Menz Mama Midir woreda are very traditional and inefficient. To lessen this problem, water pricing (valuation) has been considered to be a promising tool. This study, therefore, examined smallholder farmers' willingness to pay and determinants affecting their decisions to pay for improved irrigation water use in Menz Mama woreda, North Shewa zone, Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data collected from 215 randomly sampled irrigation beneficiaries were used for analysis. The mean WTP from double bounded dichotomous elicitation method ranges from 164.027 Birr (4.17 USD) to 221.059 Birr (5.62 USD) per year per hectare of irrigable land. The result from the seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model estimation revealed that the sex of the household head, total annual farm income, size of irrigable landholdings of the household, frequency of extension contacts, amount of credit, and dissatisfaction with the existing irrigation service positively and significantly influenced farmers' WTP decisions. In contrast, off-farm income and bid values were negatively related to WTP decisions. Therefore, the aforementioned factors affecting farmers' decisions to pay should be taken into consideration when constructing irrigation schemes in the study area and areas with similar economic and socio-cultural settings.

Determinants of melon farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change hazards in south‒south Nigeria

The constant changes experienced in agricultural activities due to climate change pose a great challenge to melon production. Hence, this research examined the determinants of melon farmers’ adaptation strategies to cope with climate change hazards in southern–southern Nigeria. The research ultimately depended on primary data collected by using a set of questionnaires and interviews. The data were obtained from 260 samples retrieved from melon farmers by using multistage sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using the multivariate probit (MVP) model and partial eta squared test. The results of the MVP model showed that age (− 0.009), marital status (0.200), access to information on climate change (0.567) and crop insurance (0.214) were significant at the 0.01 level, while household size (− 0.030) was significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of crop diversification. Educational level (0.012), extension contact (0.138) and access to credit (0.122) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.415) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of change in planting dates. Age (− 0.010) and access to information on climate change (0.381) were significant at the 0.01 level, while sex (− 0.139), marital status (0.158) and off-farm income (− 2.3E-7) were significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of mixed farming. Farming experience (0.005) is significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.529) and crop insurance (0.272) are significant at the 0.01 level and determine the adoption of drought-tolerant crop species. Access to information on climate change (0.536) is significant at the 0.01 level, indicating the adoption of improved crop species. Age (− 0.010), farm size (− 0.085) and crop insurance (0.206) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.353) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of off-farm job opportunities. The study recommends the availability and accessibility of credit, climate-smart agricultural practices, and the establishment of public‒private partnerships, among others.

Current Status and Challenges of Improved Bee Keeping Technology Adoption in Ethiopia: A Review

The aim of this review is to give an overview of current modern beekeeping technologies in Ethiopia and to highlight once again the challenges of adopting beekeeping technology. Bee-keeping in Ethiopia is common and one of the agricultural activities. Ethiopia is the leading honey producer in Africa and is one of the ten largest producers in the world (with around 23.6% of the African and 2.1% of the world production. Despite the long tradition of beekeeping in Ethiopia having the highest bee density and being the leading honey producer as well as one of the largest bee waxes exporting country in Africa, the share of sub sector in the GDP has never been commensurate with huge number of honey colonies and the country’s potential for beekeeping. To increase production and productivity of honey and bee wax, different improved technologies have been used in the last 7-10 year. Backyard beekeeping can not only be conducted with traditional, but also with transitional or modern beehives. Lack of bee-keeping equipment (like modern beehives, wax molds, honey extractors, queen excluders) and accessories, training on beekeeping technology, awareness creation, extension contact and market problem were the major determinant factors of adoption of modern beekeeping technology. Despite variations in distribution and adoption levels, the utilization of beekeeping technology has now commenced across all regions of the nation hives, adding and reducing supper. The management of bee colonies constitutes a fundamental aspect of contemporary beekeeping practices within the country. Beekeeping equipment and accessories must be readily available to beekeepers, with a significant focus on enhancing productivity and implementing proper management techniques for contemporary beehives. Such measures have the potential to enhance the likelihood of beekeepers adopting and utilizing modern beehive technology.