Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Vol. 4(1), pp. 001-006, January 2015 ISSN 2327-3151 ©2015 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Determinants of agricultural technology utilization by female headed household farmers at selected districts of Mid-Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Gurmessa Umeta

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box: 35, Ziway, Ethiopia.

E-mail: gurmu2011@gmail.com, gurme2010@yahoo.com.

Accepted 17 November, 2014

Abstract

This study was conducted at Mid-Rift Valley area of Oromia Regional State namely, Dugda, Ada’a, Bosset and Fentale Districts. The study was carried out to to analyze factors affecting utilization of agricultural technologies by female headed household farmers and to draw recommendations that can help to improve utilization of agricultural technologies by female headed household farmers. Four representative districts were selected purposively and two kebeles were selected per the districts randomly. 129 respondents were selected for the study randomly. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics like percentage and mean were used for data analysis. Binary logistic regression model was used to examine determinants of agricultural technology utilization. The study’s findings show that majority (56.6%) of respondents did not use the agricultural technologies available in the area, while only 44.4% of the respondents used one or more of the agricultural technologies available in the area during the two years from the survey period. The result of binary logistic regression model showed that variables like access to credit services (P-value < 0.05), training (P-value < 0.05), being a member of ‘equip’ (P-value < 0.05) and oxen ownership (P-value < 0.05) are found to positively and significantly influence utilization of agricultural technology by female headed households. Therefore, the study recommends that efforts are highly needed to improve utilization of agricultural technology by female headed households in agricultural extension package program through improving access to credit and training services, extension visits and improving saving practices.

Key words: Agricultural technologies, Ethiopia, female headed households, mid-rift valley.