Influencing Smallholder Farmers Research Articles

Climate Variability and the Resilience of Smallholder Tea Production in the East Usambara Mountain Farming System, Tanzania

The complexities of climate change are well-known, and it has immediate and long-term consequences on the environment and natural resources. This global concern adversely affects sustainable development sectors and economic systems including the agricultural sector. The tea sector is among the largest export crops contributing to earnings and revenues. Its production has been declining, and the reasons behind this decline remain unclear. This study proposed to explore the influences of climate variability on the current productivity trend of smallholder tea farmers in Tanzania. The study involves quantitative data analysis, collected from 1990 to 2020 including monthly precipitation, temperature statistics, and Greenleaf production gathered as secondary data from the Tea Research Institute of Tanzania and the Tea Board of Tanzania. The study found that rainfall and temperature change significantly influence smallholder farmers' tea production in the East Usambara Mountains. The optimal climate elements (temperature and precipitation) positively improve smallholder farmers' tea production. In contrast, extreme climate variability triggers negative effects on tea production when precautions and adaptation measures are not considered. To summarize, it is recommended that farmers engage in different programs and training sessions to enhance their perception and adaptability to climate change.

Decision-making factors influencing land use transformation and its implication on forest landscape restoration in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Macro-level landscape patterns are often a result of a strong influence on human decisions at the micro level. The abilities and objectives of decision-makers should be explicitly addressed to improve our understanding of land use transformation. This research explores the factors influencing smallholder farmers to transform their land use while implementing Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). We employed a systematic sampling technique to select a study catchment in Southern Ethiopia and 228 households were randomly approached for a household survey. Reaping more economic benefits is the most contributing factor for land use transformation in the study region. Land use transformation towards FLR options such as woodlot and agroforestry is substantially influenced by the location of the farm within the catchment. Furthermore, the study reveals that land allocated for different land uses differs across farmers depending upon their change orientation behaviours categorized as survivalist, subsistence-oriented and market-orientated smallholder farmers. When carrying out FLR in the study region and in similar landscapes that aim to engage smallholder farmers, it is important to promote fast-growing economically rewarding tree species.

Examining the Role of Lower-Level Local Government Leaders in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Smallholder Farmers

The agricultural sector remains the main source of livelihoods for rural communities in Tanzania, but faces the challenge of changing climate. This study aimed at assessing the roles played with local government leaders towards smallholder farmers escaping from climate change effects. Specifically, the study examined the influence of Climate change information Adoptive strategies, Updated farming knowledge from local government leaders on smallholders’ ability to escape from climate change effects. The study employed a cross-sectional research design on 200 smallholder farmers. Data collection methods included survey, key informants’ interview (KIIs) and focus group discussions. The study collected and analysed both qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data were analysed using a multiple regression model while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. findings revealed that local government leaders are not effectively supporting smallholders farmers escaping from climate change effects since the result under this study reveal that local government leaders are not providing supporting knowledge to smallholder farmers on climate change and strategies towards its adoptions, it can be concluded that local government leaders has a slight influence on supporting smallholders farmers to escape from climate change effects in the study area since observed that local leaders are not providing adequate climate and its adoption strategies. The study concludes that local government leaders have less knowledge on climate issues hence negatively influencing smallholder farmers to escape from climate change effects due to the absence of local government employees development program particularly to wards and village executive officers who are directly closely to local natives by increasing the ability of the smallholders’ farmers to have good wellbeing performance. The study recommends to the Moshi District Council particularly to local government leaders and ministry of agricultural to establish capacity building program to local government employees working at lower levels and local government leaders have to include climate change information agenda in their assembly to ensure farmers are updated with climate change issues.

Factors influencing seed cotton marketing decisions by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe

Economic reforms such as the liberalization of export and processing-linked marketing channels have encouraged farmers to produce more. Unfortunately, cotton production in Zimbabwe has been declining regardless of such interventions. Why is the production declining despite these interventions including the government-free inputs and supported extension services? Cotton marketing is one of the main factors that influence overall quantities of a commodity to be produced but the practices and behavior of farmers are relatively unknown and unpredictable in the cotton markets. Therefore, this study was to explore factors influencing smallholder farmers' cotton marketing decisions in three cotton-producing provinces of Zimbabwe. A representative sample of 1080 cotton farmers were randomly selected from these provinces and a double hurdle model was used to evaluate market participation and intensity guided by probit model and censored tobit model respectively. Results showed that the decision to participate in cotton marketing was exclusively influenced by experience in cotton production while the intensity of cotton marketing was exclusively influenced by household labour and access to information. Market prices did not significantly (P<0.05) influence both the participation and intensity of cotton markets. The source of inputs and affiliation to marketing associations influence both marketing decisions. It is recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should revise the existing cotton marketing policies to encourage many buyers into cotton markets. The establishment of cotton marketing hubs can increase cotton marketing participation and intensity through increased access to decentralised marketing options.

Determinants of Participation in Contract Farming among Smallholder Sorghum Farmers in Bondo Sub-County

Aims: This paper analyzed the socioeconomic and institution factors influencing participation in sorghum contract farming by smallholder farmers in Bondo, siaya county, Kenya. The study results are anticipated to encourage smallholder farmers to participate in sorghum commercialization rather than producing for subsistence. Study Design: The study applied quantitative research design to determine factors that influences participation in sorghum contract farming by smallholder farmers. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bondo Siaya county Kenya. Targeted group were smallholder farmers producing sorghum either as contracted or non-contracted. The data was collected on sorghum production during 2020/2021 production year. Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to sample 135 non-contracted and 105 contracted smallholder sorghum farmers for the study. The data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire which was pretest prior to actual data collection. Data collected was analyzed using t-statistics and chi-squire for the descriptive statistics. While econometric analysis applied logistic regression model to determine factors influencing smallholder farmers’ participation in sorghum contract farming. Results: Findings revealed that post-primary education level (\(\beta\) = 0.215; P = 0.04) , age (\(\beta\) = 0.005; P = 0.00) , gender (\(\beta\) = 0.144; P = 0.02) , number of active household members (\(\beta\) = 0.090; P = 0.03) , group membership(\(\beta\) = 0.188; P = 0.00) , distance to the nearest main road in walking minutes (\(\beta\) = 0.021; P = 0.00) , ownership of bicycle (\(\beta\) = 0.210; P = 0.00) and ownership of oxen (\(\beta\) = 0.238; P = 0.00) positively influence participation in sorghum contract farming. In contrarily, distance to the nearest extension agent office negatively influence participation in sorghum contract farming (\(\beta\) = 0.004; P = 0.01) . Conclusion: The results suggest the need to increase access to extension services, implement policies for empowering women and youths to engage in contract farming, sensitize farmers to form groups to enhance working collectively to acquire input and output market. National and county governments should invest in physical infrastructure, such as roads, to improve access to agricultural information on new interventions.

Digitalization and agricultural transformation in developing countries: Empirical evidence from Tanzania agriculture sector

Agribusiness can potentially increase value for agriculture and the entire value chain, but it is hard to achieve these goals without digitalising the sector. The transformation reforms modern technology and digital infrastructure adoption to facilitate growth and inclusivity. These conditions make the agricultural digitization transformation more appealing. Therefore, using a survey of 400 smallholder farmers in four regions of Rukwa, Ruvuma, Morogoro and Tabora, this study examines the interplay between digitalization and agriculture transformation in Tanzania by focusing on the determinants and effects of digitalization on smallholder farmers' welfare. The study used the double hurdle model to estimate the determinants and extent of digitalization adoption; the Two-stage least square (2SLS) and the Control function approach (CFA) to estimate its effects on smallholder farmers' welfare. The findings revealed that access to credit (0.17428, p < 0.01), extension services (0.52884, p < 0.01), education and government support (0.10922, p < 0.05) are key determinants for agricultural digitalization. Moreover, digitalization was found to influence smallholder farmers' welfare significantly. The benefits of digitalization across smallholder farmers in all regions were observed in enhancing extension services (76.50 %), pest management (71.25 %), and accessibility of the market information (72.25 %), enhance an access to financial services (74.75 %). In sum, to promote digital technology adoption among smallholder farmers, policymakers in Tanzania and developing nations should prioritize financial inclusion through tailored microfinance programs, educational initiatives must integrate digital literacy, enhance extension services, subsidized technology access, and encouraging public-private partnerships to create incentives for sustainable agricultural development.

Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Decisions to Participate in Loan-Based Farming in Mutare District, Zimbabwe—A Double-Hurdle Model Approach

Agriculture is an important sector in Zimbabwe’s economy. More than 70% of the population are smallholders relying on agriculture. To support agriculture, Zimbabwe’s government introduced a Targeted Command Agriculture Programme (TCAP), in terms of which the state provides production inputs like seeds, fertilisers, protection chemicals, and extension services. In turn, the farmer is expected to produce 5 tonnes of maize per hectare for the Grain Marketing Board. The cost of inputs that the state provided is then deducted from the 5-tonne maize yield, and the farmer is paid the balance. Numerous authors have studied the design of TCAP and its impact on farmers. However, only a few have focused on the determinants of participation, especially with an empirical basis and in the Mutare District. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study implements a double-hurdle model to determine factors influencing farmers’ participation in Zimbabwe’s TCAP using a sample of 350 farmers. The study found that gender, family size, farmer type, command agriculture education, and distance from the market influenced smallholder farmers’ participation in TCAP. Therefore, policymakers should consider these factors to improve the design of the programme and enhance the participation of smallholder farmers in it.

Determinants of climate information service access and use among smallholder farmers in Bereh woreda, Ethiopia.

Climate information service (CIS) is a key component of a climate adaptation strategy that is expected to lessen climate risk. Access to and use of CIS among the local community are limited and constrained by various factors and are not supported by empirical research evidence. Therefore, this article analyzed CIS access and use determinants among smallholder farmers in Bereh woreda. The study applied a cross-sectional design with a mixed methodological approach. Data were collected through a survey of 219 smallholder farmer households, three focused-group discussions, and six key informant interviews. The collected survey data were analyzed using the heckprobit model to determine factors influencing smallholder farmers' access to and use of CIS. The heckprobit model results revealed that the determinants of CIS access and use had a statistical significance of log-likelihood of 1% (Wald χ2 = 45.2, p = 0.001), indicating a strong explanatory power. The selection model revealed that age and off-farm income significantly reduced the likelihood of accessing CIS, whereas mobile-phone ownership and male-headed households increased the likelihood of accessing it. Age, female-headed households, and farm size decreased the likelihood of using CIS, whereas mixed farming, radio ownership, and access to herbicide enhanced the likelihood of using it. This study, therefore, recommends intensive awareness creation and improving the delivery of diverse and reliable CIS to enhance agricultural productivity and smallholder farmers' resilience to the impacts of climate change. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:794-804. © 2023 SETAC.

Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Preference for Veterinary Service Providers in Zimbabwe

Animal diseases pose significant challenges to livestock production in Zimbabwe's smallholder sector. This study analyzed the variables influencing smallholder farmers' preferences for veterinary service providers. Data from a mixed-method approach, including a questionnaire (N=382), focus group discussions (N=8), interviews (N=16), and observations, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit regression. The findings revealed that access to veterinary services is complex and context-dependent, influenced by factors such as experiences, age, proximity to the provider, communication, remittances, satisfaction, repeat treatments, socioeconomic status, historical dynamics, and access to subsidized drugs. Government veterinary services, private sector entities, and Community Animal Health Workers played critical roles in the provision of veterinary services. Better coordination among the different service provides could enable provision of cost-effective services. The study highlights the multifaceted nature of smallholder farmers' decision-making, emphasizing the importance of situational factors and collaboration among service providers to meet their diverse needs effectively. These insights inform policymakers and stakeholders in developing strategies to enhance veterinary services in Zimbabwe's smallholder communities, ultimately improving livestock productivity and welfare.

Determining if Access to Certified Seed Multipliers Influence Smallholder Farmers’ Use of Certified Seed Potatoes (CSPs) in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya

Empirical evidence suggests that certified seed potatoes (CSPs) are critical in boosting potato yield, increasing income, and improving nutrition and food security at the household level. Availability and access to certified seed multipliers increase the chances of smallholder potato farmers’ (SHF) uptake and use of certified seed technologies and practices. Most farmers cannot access certified seeds from these multipliers, forcing them to use and reuse the seeds saved from their local storage facilities. The paper sought to determine whether access to certified seed multipliers influenced potato smallholder farmers’ use of CSPs in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya. A closed-ended, researcher-administered survey was used in collecting data from 106 SHFs selected from the area. Descriptives and binary logistic statistics were used to answer the study objectives. The findings indicated a significant relationship between access to certified seed multipliers and the use of CSPs. From the study, only 40 % of smallholder farmers had access to certified seed multipliers, while the majority (60%) did not. This trend would be why the respondents opted to use other sources of seeds from farmer stores. Additionally, the high cost of certified seeds and lack of awareness of existing certified seed sources/multipliers were recorded as the significant barriers hindering farmers from accessing certified seed potatoes in the study area.

Effectiveness of certified maize and rice seeds supply outlets in Northern region: what influences smallholder farmers' decision?

PurposeMaize and rice constitute the two major staple crops in Ghana. The demand for maize and rice outstrips production levels in Ghana, creating deficits for farmers to capitalize on to increase yield. Farmers procure certified seeds from different supply outlets to improve crop yield. This study assessed the effectiveness of supply outlets of certified maize and rice seeds. This study also examined factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions in sourcing seed from the identified supply outlets.Design/methodology/approachMulti-stage sampling was used to collect data from smallholder farmers. A total of 360 farmers were interviewed for the analysis. The multivariate probit model was used to estimate the main drivers of the supply outlets of certified seeds.FindingsThe findings revealed that farmers' decisions to use certified seeds from a particular supply outlet are contingent on household size, years of farming, extension contacts, distance to the nearest market, distance to the district capital, access to credit and farm size.Research limitations/implicationsSourcing certified seeds from National Seed Traders Association of Ghana, Research Institutions and Ministry of Food and Agriculture is more effective than input dealers, open market and family and friends.Originality/valueThis study is one of its kind that looked at how effective are the supply outlets of certified seed purchasing outlets.

Factors influencing smallholder adoption of organic agriculture in Southeast geopolitical region of Nigeria

IntroductionOrganic Agriculture is considered one of the promising sustainable agricultural systems that can promote green economy measures, especially in developing countries where smallholder agriculture forms the backbone of the economy. With increasing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of organic foods, there has been an increasing number of studies assessing the demand side (determinants of consumers’ demand for organic products) within the global South. However, there is a dearth of research information on the supply side (e.g., factors influencing smallholder farmers’ willingness to engage in organic agriculture). To scale up organic agriculture among smallholder farmers, there is a need to explore and understand the factors influencing its adoption.MethodsUsing survey data from rural Nigeria, this paper applied Cragg’s double-hurdle model to assess the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption of organic farming in the Southeast geopolitical region of Nigeria.ResultsThe result showed that information about organic farming plays a major role in motivating farmers to adopt organic farming. Farmers that know what organic farming entails were found to be 1.31 percent more likely to adopt organic farming and to dedicate 1.23 percent more of their land to organic farming than the farmers that are less aware of organic farming. Similarly, an organized organic marketing structure and a premium on organic products were found to statistically improve the adoption of organic farming. The proportion of land dedicated to organic farming was found to be 2.15 percent more for farmers that received a premium for their organic produce than their counterparts that do not receive a premium for their produce.DiscussionThe findings demonstrated policy actions aimed at certification among smallholder farmers employing organic farming methods can facilitate system-wise organic farming in rural areas. However, the nature of such certification that will not jeopardize the agency of the farmers requires further investigation.

Factors influencing smallholder farmers’ climate change risk perceptions: A behavioral approach in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

Abstract The resilience of the agricultural sector is increasingly threatened by climate change while rainfed agriculture has become more susceptible to climate and weather-related stressors. However, farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk which vary by niche, greatly influence their adaptation strategies. This study used a questionnaire survey to solicit factors that inform and shape climate change risk perceptions of smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas in Zimbabwe. A sample of 180 farming households was randomly selected from six wards of Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and the ordered probit regression model were used to assess the determinants of smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk. Results show that perceptions of climate change risk are significantly enhanced by educational level, participation in social groups, household experience in agriculture, access to climate information and extension services, as well as age, gender, and education level of the household head. However, resource endowments reduced the climate change risk perception of households. However, the weak influence of these factors points towards the existence of other issues that influence smallholder farmer climate risk perceptions that warrant additional research to understand how these inform and shape smallholder farmer decision-making. Nonetheless, there is a continuous need to improve smallholder farmers’ access to climate information and build their capacity to address emerging climate risks. This is critical to shaping their climate change risk perceptions and influencing their decisions to adopt resilience-building technologies.&amp;#xD;

Assessment of Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers Willingness to Pay for Climate Change Adaptation Information Access in South- Eastern Kenya

Farmers’ adaptation to climate change is crucial in ensuring agricultural production and improving food insecurity. Farmers needed access to climate change adaptation information to enable them to plan their agricultural investments. This study sought to assess farmers’ willingness to pay to access climate change adaptation information as they seek to achieve resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions. Qualitative and quantitative research approach was adopted where data was collected first-hand by interviewing 443 smallholder farmers. Ordinary Least Square method was applied to analyse the factors that influenced farmers' willingness to Pay. From the findings, 77.2% of the farmers were willing to pay for climate adaptation information. The mean willingness to pay in Cash was 12.78 USD per year. Farmers who wished to pay through provision of farm produce were highly skewed towards provision of maize that amounted to 18.40 USD at current market value. The climate change adaptation information effectiveness, knowledge, and access to information were the leading factors that influenced farmers’ WTP. Age and main source of income significantly influenced WTP negatively. Dissemination of this information through effective channels is encouraged to enable farmers to access and improve their WTP.

Adoption and intensity use of malt barley technology package by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia: A double hurdle model approach

Ethiopia has an enormous production potential for malted barley due to its ideal agroecology, notably in the central and Bale highlands. However, local production cannot meet the demand for both new and old malt and brewing plants. Millions of dollars have been invested to import malt at the national level. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence smallholder farmers' adoption and level of use of the malt barley technology package. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to choose representative kebeles and households. The study relied on actual data collected from 201 randomly selected barley-producing households. Descriptive statistics and Double Hurdle economic models were used to analyze the data. The descriptive findings show that malt barley varieties and the malt barley technology package were adopted at rates of 0.3 and 0.9, respectively. The Double Hurdle model results reveal that factors such as the household head's age, the total area under cultivation, the availability of information on malt barley production, distance from the main road, participation in the field day program, and membership in the agricultural cooperative all had an effect on smallholder farmers' decisions to adopt and use the malt barley technology package. The recommendation made by this research was to boost farmers' knowledge of malt barley production through training and field trip programs. Organizing smallholder farmers in nearby agricultural cooperatives, as well as ensuring access to roads and public transit for easy access to agricultural inputs and output markets.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Choices of Responses to Climatic Stressors in Tanzania

The viability of food production by smallholder farmers in Tanzania's semi-arid regions is threatened by climate variability and change. This study's main goal was to comprehend the available options for farmers in Tanzania's Great Ruaha River Sub-Basin and the factors that influenced their decisions. We used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data were gathered through focus groups and household questionnaire surveys, while secondary data came from records collected by government organizations. A logistic regression analysis was undertaken so as to determine factors that influence smallholder farmers’ perceptions and choice of response measures during dry years. Smallholder farmers mostly relied on their prior knowledge and locally accessible resources when developing their response strategies. Findings indicate that climate awareness, gender, age, education level, village location, wealth rank, and farmer experience are factors that have a substantial impact on farmers' decisions regarding choice of adaptation strategies to climate change. Therefore, decision-makers at all levels of government, from local authorities to the national level, should play a crucial role in improving adaptation strategies appropriate for a given climatic shock on the research area. The study suggests that GRRB farmers increase their knowledge and understanding of climate change. In order to successfully adapt to climate change, farmers should also work to create associations that will operate as a forum for knowledge exchange about indigenous farming techniques.

Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Attitudes Towards Integrated Soil Fertility Management: Case Study of the Wanka Watershed, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract This paper explores factors influencing smallholder farmers’ attitudes towards integrated soil fertility management (ISFM). ISFM is paramount to improve soil fertility for sustainable agricultural productivity, especially in contexts where smallholder agriculture is an important local livelihood and economic activity, as in many countries of the Global South. Alongside the development and availability of new technologies to enhance soil fertility, smallholder farmers’ attitudes towards these innovations in specific contexts are key to determining the extent and outcomes of their uptake. A better understanding of these is thus essential to inform measures to increase ISFM practices among smallholder farmers. This study aimed to assess farmers’ attitudes towards ISFM and the factors that determined them based on a case study of the Wanka watershed, northwestern Ethiopia, a major cereal-producing area. Using a mixed methods approach, data obtained from a household survey (146 respondents), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model. The findings revealed that the attitudes of smallholder farmers towards ISFM in the study area were generally positive, as they considered ISFM compatible with agronomic principles and important to increase agricultural productivity sustainably. The extent of farmers’ farming experience, the length of time of applying chemical fertilizer, the number of livestock, and the size of plots were found to be significant predictors of attitudes towards ISFM. The study concludes that considering these factors can better inform interventions designed to enhance farmers’ choice of ISFM technologies for improved soil fertility management and sustainable crop production in the study area and other contexts.

Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Preference for Veterinary Services Providers in Zimbabwe

Animal diseases pose significant challenges to livestock production in Zimbabwe's smallholder sector. This study analyzed the variables influencing smallholder farmers' preferences for veterinary service providers. Data from a mixed-method approach, including a questionnaire (N=382), focus group discussions (N=106), interviews (N=16), and observations, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit regression. The findings revealed that access to veterinary services is complex and context-dependent, influenced by factors such as experiences, age, proximity to the provider, communication, remittances, satisfaction, repeat treatments, socioeconomic status, historical dynamics, and access to subsidized drugs. Government veterinary services, private sector entities, and Community Animal Health Workers played critical roles, with coordination enabling cost-effective services. The study highlights the multifaceted nature of smallholder farmers' decision-making, emphasizing the importance of situational factors and collaboration among service providers to meet their diverse needs effectively. These insights inform policymakers and stakeholders in developing strategies to enhance veterinary services in Zimbabwe's smallholder communities, ultimately improving livestock productivity and welfare.

Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in the Ethiopian Rift Valley: The Case of Home Garden Agroforestry Systems in the Gedeo Zone

Smallholder farmers who rely on home garden agroforestry are experiencing significant impacts from climate change. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial for farmers to have access to various adaptation strategies. This study collected data from 384 randomly selected respondents in 18 kebeles over three districts, using descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit model to evaluate the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions on their adaptation strategies against climate change. In Ethiopia’s Gedeo zone, this study found that smallholder farmers employ a range of adaptation methods, including expanding their agroforestry system, implementing modern agriculture techniques, conserving soil and water, diversifying their livelihoods, and employing various coping mechanisms. By analyzing data using the multivariate probit model, this study found several factors that had a significant impact on smallholder farmers’ choice of adaptation options. These factors include social network, age, education level, farming experience, household size, cultivated land size, annual income, and livestock holding. In addition, factors such as perception of climate change, previous experience of crop failure, recurrent drought, and access to information about climate change, occurrence of frost, agricultural extension contacts, access to farmer-to-farmer extension services, and perception of land infertility also influence their decision-making process. Our findings highlight the importance of improving institutional services in rural areas, promoting education on climate change, and strengthening social networks to enhance the ability of smallholder farmers to cope with the effects of climate change.

Factors Affecting Adaptation Strategies of Small Holder Farmer’s to Climate Changes: Evidence from Dale Woreda in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to analyzing factors that affect smallholder farmers’ choice of adaptation strategy and identifies adaptation measures to climate change in Ethiopia using Dale Woreda as a case study. The data was collected from 359 sample households using a survey questionnaire and was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and econometric methods. Multinomial logit model (MNL) was used to identify factors influencing smallholder farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. The adaptation strategies considered in the MNL model were crop diversification, growing drought tolerant crop, soil and water management, early and late planting and small scale irrigation practice. The result from the multinomial logit analysis showed that sex, education, farm experience, family size, farm income, farm size, distance to the market, soil fertility, access to credit, access to climate information, and extension access were significant factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies. a unit increases in number of years of education could increase 8.1% of the likelihood of adopting crop diversification ,1.8% of the likelihood of adopting growing drought tolerant crop and 1.2% of the likelihood of early and late planting as adaptation measures. The basic barriers to climate change adaptation on the farmers’ side are lack of credit access, lack of knowledge, lack of support from government, shortage of farm land, lack of climate information and lack of climate related problem. Therefore, expanding extension service, improving the availability of credit and enhancing research on use of new crop diversification and distributing drought tolerant crop varieties and encouraging continuous climate training center, disseminating climate information by local language through social media and providing modern tool for soil and water management and small scale irrigation by government are more suited in three agro-ecological zones.