FACTORS AFFECTING CROP PRODUCTIVTY IN WOLAITA ZONE: THE CASE OF HUMBO WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

This study focuses on the factors affecting crop production of farm households in Humbo<br> Woreda, Wolaita zone, SNNPRS. The major primary sources of data for the research were farm<br> the questionnaire of household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.<br> The study reveals that, there is low income earned from total crop production. The highest share<br> of income earned from crop production is found between 18,001-24,000 Ethiopian birr, which is<br> less than the national average. Climate change related to erratic rainfall and late onset is among<br> the main factors directly affecting crop production and productivity in the study area. The<br> number of days the households get access to extension was below average. This is below the<br> expected standard for addressing extension contact recommended which are 4 times per a<br> month. The least implementation of crop rotation and conservation agriculture could be<br> attributed to low extension work given to farmers which contributed to an overall moderate level<br> in practice of biological land management activities in Humbo Woreda. The farmers of Humbo<br> Woreda use credit mostly for social purposes than for production purpose. The average<br> production per capita was 1.56 quintals. It does not fulfill the standard food requirements of the households 2