Determinants of Adoption of Improved Bread Wheat Varieties among Smallholder Farmers in Awbare District, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops grown in the Awbare district, primarily to enhance household income and ensure food security. This study aimed to assess the adoption status and identify the factors influencing the adoption of improved bread wheat varieties in the Awbare district, located in the Somali Regional State. To conduct this study, 160 randomly selected households were interviewed face-to-face. Additionally, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were utilized to supplement the data gathered from individual households. Quantitative data analysis methods, including descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models, were employed alongside qualitative data analysis. Of the total respondents, 71 (44.3%) were adopters of improved wheat varieties, while 89 (55.6%) were non-adopters. The binary logistic regression results indicated that factors such as farm size, access to extension services, and farmers' perceptions of wheat yield positively and significantly influenced the adoption of at least one of the three recommended varieties. Conversely, variables such as sex, age, distance from the market, and distance from the development agent’s office had a negative and significant impact on the adoption of improved bread wheat varieties. This study reveals that the agricultural extension service is a significant barrier to improving bread wheat production. An effective extension program connecting stakeholders is essential for encouraging the adoption of better wheat varieties. The findings show that larger farms are more likely to adopt these varieties, highlighting the need for research and extension agencies to support smaller farmers with appropriate technologies. Sustaining the adoption of wheat varieties demands ongoing focus on the factors affecting adoption.