Improved Forage Technologies Adoption in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

The study examined factors affecting adoption decision and intensity use of improved forage technologies in North Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional, Ethiopia. A multistage stratified sampling procedure was employed to draw 319 sample households from the Debrelibanose district. In this particular study, both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, and key informant interview. Descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed to analyze the collected data. The descriptive statistics results portrayed that out of the total sample households 128(40%) were adopters and 191(60%) were non-adopter households. The binary logit result revealed that age, education, market distance, extension contact, training, field day and improved cattle ownership were significant factors affecting the likelihood of adoption of improved forage technologies positively and significantly. Furthermore, results from Tobit model estimates revealed that education, distance to market, extension contact, field day and improved cattle ownership were positively and significantly affect the intensity use of improved forage technologies. Hence, future development intervention and the collective efforts of stakeholders should give emphasis to these variables in order to enhance the probability of adoption and strengthening intensity of use of improved forage technologies to boost smallholder dairy productivity