Kutoya Kusse, Asmera Adicha
Maize production is a critical component of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, yet productivity remains below potential due to low adoption of improved maize technologies. One important reason is that farmers are largely dependent on their local varieties. This study aimed to generate useful information on farmers’ adoption and intensity of improved maize technology in the South Ethiopia region. A multistage sampling technique was followed to select sample households. A cross-sectional household survey was used to collect data from 245 randomly selected households. Additionally, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. For data analysis, the double-hurdle model was employed. The results of the double-hurdle econometric model revealed that farmer’s adoption decision is influenced by factors such as age, family size, livestock holding, total landholding, access to irrigation, price of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and price of improved seed. The intensity of adoption is determined by factors like the sex of the household head, marital status, livestock holding, total landholding, access to irrigation, price of DAP, price of improved seed and market distance. It is recommended that agricultural production be increased by utilizing improved maize technology and making agricultural support services available to all households, especially small-scale households to boost total production.