FACTORS AFFECTING THE DEMAND FOR INORGANIC FERTILIZER: THE CASE OF SILTI WOREDA; SILTE ZONE CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT Inorganic fertilizers are ordinarily straightforward chemical compounds made in a manufacturing plant or gotten by mining, which supply plant supplements and are not buildups of plant or creature life. The aim of this study was to examine factors that affect the demand for inorganic fertilizer in siltie zone central Ethiopia Region. In this study the researcher employed both descriptive and explanatory research design. To collet primary and secondary data the study employed survey questioner. To select representative sample the researcher used multi stage sampling. To check existence of multi Collinearity, the study employed both CC and Vfi. Descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed for data analysis. The study findings indicated that utilization of chemical fertilizer was declined. These results underscored the significance of cereal crops like maize, wheat, barley within the sampled kebeles. Furthermore, observations and interviews revealed, a decline in fertilizer consumption price of fertilizer increase every year. Multiple linear regression result depicted that Price of fertilizer, delivery of fertilize, livestock ownership, access to credit, off-farm income, access to extension contact, farm size were affect chemical fertilizer usage. By tailoring interventions based on these specific factors influencing fertilizer utilize, stakeholders can effectively enhance the overall. The demand for fertilizer in the area is shown to be severely impacted by credit accessibility. Therefore, it is advised that in order to increase farmers' consumption of fertilizer, the efficiency of the credit system be improved. The econometric model's conclusion indicated that one significant factor that positively impacted the demand fertilizer was availability to extension services. The timely delivery of fertilizer was another significant factor that adversely affected the demand for it. The researcher only employed 12 variables in order to study investigate about factors that affect the demand for fertilizer, therefor future researchers should have to incorporate other variables deeply investigate factors that affect demand for fertilizer. The government should have to diversify income for farmers in order to maximize their income. Thus, effective local policy formulation on fertilizer price evaluation, credit accesses facilitate and offfarm activities supporting is crucial to boost best fertilizer usage for sustainable development.