Impact of Improved Sorghum Variety Adoption (Assosa-1 and Adukara) on Gross Farm Income of Smallholder Farmers in Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract: Sorghum, a staple crop with significant socio-economic importance in Ethiopia, plays a critical role in the income of smallholder farmers in the humid lowlands of the Benishangul Gumuz Region. This study evaluates the impact of adopting improved sorghum varieties, Assosa-1 and Adukara, on gross farm income among smallholder farmers in the Metekel Zone. Utilizing a multi-stage sampling method, 142 households were surveyed across the Pawe and Dibate districts. Data were analyzed using Probit regression and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) models to identify factors influencing adoption and its economic effects. Key findings reveal that adopters of improved sorghum varieties experienced a statistically significant income increase of 11,182.39 ETB compared to non-adopters, with education, farm size, and market access being critical adoption determinants. Adopters also demonstrated higher productivity, larger land allocation for sorghum, and greater livestock ownership. However, challenges such as market distance and limited credit access negatively influenced the adoption and income outcomes. This research underscores the transformative potential of improved agricultural technologies in enhancing smallholder incomes and fostering food security in lowland agro-ecologies. Policy recommendations include strengthening extension services, improving market infrastructure, and addressing financial barriers to facilitate broader adoption. Keywords: Adoption; Impact; Improved Sorghum Variety; Humid lowland; PSM. Title: Impact of Improved Sorghum Variety Adoption (Assosa-1 and Adukara) on Gross Farm Income of Smallholder Farmers in Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, North Western Ethiopia Author: Belete Woundefiraw, Welay Tesfay International Journal of Novel Research in Marketing Management and Economics ISSN 2394-7322 Vol. 12, Issue 1, January 2025 - April 2025 Page No: 48-57 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 02-April-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15126298 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Impact%20of%20Improved%20Sorghum%20Variety%20Adoption-02042025-2.pdf