FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED MAIZE SEED BY SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN THE CASE OF SENKURA WOREDA, SILT'E ZONE, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT This study was conducted with the objective of analyzing and identifying factors influencing adoption of improved maize seed in Senkura Woreda, Silt’e Zone, Ethiopia. In order to achieve this objective, primarily data was collected from 180 randomly selected respondents by using questionnaire. For this study both descriptive and econometric analysis were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the smallholder farmers and the rate of improved maize seed respondents. Moreover, a binary logistic regression model was used to analyze factors influencing adoption of improved maize seed. The result of descriptive analysis revealed that out of the total sample respondent 47 (26.11%) were non-adopters of improved maize seed and 133 (73.89%) were adopters. The logit Regression result revealed that out of ten explanatory variables that included in the regression, eight were significantly affect adoption of improved maize seed. Regarding the sign of the significant variables age, education, income and off farm income have positive significant effect on adoption of improved maize seed and family size,distance from the market and livestock holding have negative effect on the adoption of improved maize seed. In order to increase adoption of improved maize seed by small holder farmers, the government should supply improved maize seed sufficiently by required quantity and should rise the financial capacity of poor farmers.