Adoption of Improved Potato Varieties in Ezha District Southern, Ethiopia

The improvement of potato yield and overall production is significantly dependent on the integration of advanced technologies, particularly the use of enhanced potato varieties. Nevertheless, the uptake of these improved varieties in developing nations, such as Ethiopia, is constrained by a range of factors, including socio-economic, demographic, and institutional challenges. To investigate this matter, the study was conducted in Ezha District, located in southern Ethiopia. This research utilized a three-stage sampling technique and gathered primary data through interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, also sourcing secondary data from various references. The analysis of the data showed that the adoption rate of improved potato varieties was 48.4%, while the intensity of adoption was 55.01%. Based on the probit regression model, it was found that factors such as level of education, size of land and livestock, frequency of extension contact, and membership in a cooperative had a positive impact on farmers' decisions to adopt improved potato varieties. Conversely, the distance to the farmer's training center and the nearest market had a negative influence. As a result, suggested that stakeholders, including the local community, District Agriculture Office, and research institutes, should promote improved potato varieties in the study area to enhance potato yield and production.