Drivers of adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by smallholders on high-value vegetable crops in Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract Background : Climate change and variability pose a significant threat to the productivity and sustainability of smallholder vegetable farming systems. This study examined the determinants of adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices among high-value vegetable crops in Northwestern Ethiopia. Methodology : A multistage sampling technique was used to survey 550 vegetable-producing households across onion, potato, and tomato producer districts. The data were analyzed using factor analysis and the multivariate probit model. Result and decisions : CSA adoption decisions were significantly and positively correlated across practice categories, highlighting complementarity in adoption behavior practices. Male-headed households, higher farming experience, education levels, and livestock holdings significantly influence the adoption of soil management practices. In addition, access to credit, proximity to roads, markets, and development agents, as well as vegetable plots, plays a significant role in shaping adoption decisions. Exposure to pests and flooding further motivated adoption in onion and potato production, while distances to development agents negatively influenced tomato production. Adoption of climate-resilient technologies is positively influenced by male-headed households, farming experience, access to credit, off-farm income, and previous exposure to drought, pests, and flooding. Longer distances to development agents reduced adoption in potato production. Water management practices adoption increased with male household heads, farming experience, soil fertility, irrigation access, and credit availability. Flood exposure encouraged adoption for onion and potato, while pest and disease incidences had a positive influence on onion. Moreover, family size negatively influenced adoption decisions for potato production. Conclusion : Policies fostering bundled CSA adoption, expanding irrigation infrastructure, improving market connectivity, and strengthening climate advisory services can enhance the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of vegetable-based smallholder systems in Ethiopia.