Adoption of Improved Soybean Varieties by Smallholder Farmers in Northwestern Ethiopia: Double Hurdle Model Approach

Abstract

The study examined the major factors determining adoption and intensity of adoption of improved soybean varieties by smallholder farmers in Pawe district of Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. It employed mixed methods survey design, with concurrent triangulation as its specific strategy. A total of sample of 308 household heads (197 adopters and 111 non-adopters) were randomly selected using probability proportionate to size method from a total of 1337 households of the four sampled kebeles. The research used questionnaires, FGDs, KIIs, observations and survey of secondary data as methods of data collection. The study employed double hurdle model to analyse the data on the major factors influencing the adoption and intensity of adoption of improved soybean varieties by smallholder soybean producers. The result of first hurdle of double hurdle model revealed that adoption decisions of improved soybean varieties were determined via frequencies of extension contacts, agricultural trainings, field-day participations and annual income positively whereas distance to the market and farm size negatively. The second-hurdle result, on the other hand, depicted that adoption intensity of improved soybean varieties was influenced by sex of household heads, credit access, annual income and TLU positively, whereas age of household heads influenced negatively. Generally, the findings highlighted the importance of addressing constraints associated with extension contacts, participation in trainings, field day participations, facilitated credit access, and increased TLU ownership capable of improving the adoption and intensity of adoption of improved soybean varieties. This, in turn, would help to improve the income and livelihoods of rural smallholder soybean producers in Pawe District of Benishangul Gumuz Region.