Determinants of Adopting of Improved Sorghum Variety (Assosa_1 & Adukara) Under Smallholder Farmers in Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a vital cereal crop, particularly for food security in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigates the adoption determinants of improved sorghum varieties (Assosa-1 and Adukara) by smallholder farmers in the Metekel Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Northwestern Ethiopia. Employing a double-hurdle econometric model, the research analyzes primary and secondary data from 142 households sampled through multistage probability techniques. The findings reveal significant factors influencing both the decision to adopt and the extent of adoption, including access to credit, market access, proximity to cooperatives, sorghum yield, and total sorghum sold. Male-headed households, closer distance to cooperatives, and access to financial and extension services were positively correlated with adoption levels. However, challenges such as limited access to improved seeds, financial constraints, and inadequate market infrastructure hinder broader adoption. The study underscores the importance of addressing these barriers through targeted policy interventions to enhance sorghum productivity and farmer livelihoods. The findings contribute to understanding technology adoption dynamics in humid lowland agroecologies, offering insights for agricultural development and food security strategies. Keywords: Adoption, Improved Sorghum Variety, Metekel Zone, Double Hurdle Model. Title: Determinants of Adopting of Improved Sorghum Variety (Assosa_1 & Adukara) Under Smallholder Farmers in Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, North Western Ethiopia Author: Belete Woundefiraw, Welay Tesfay International Journal of Novel Research in Life Sciences ISSN 2394-966X Vol. 12, Issue 2, March 2025 - April 2025 Page No: 9-22 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 10-March-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14998907 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Determinants%20of%20Adopting%20of%20Improved%20Sorghum-10032025-2.pdf