Browsing by Author "Yisehak Baredo Bitire"

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    Factors influencing transfer and utilization of selected agricultural technologies in Ethiopia: a case study of Bolosso sore district
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Yisehak Baredo Bitire
    The overall objective of the study was to determine factors associated with transfer and utilization of selected agricultural technologies on enset, maize and tef in Bolosso Sore district. The specific objectives of the study were to: a) identify and describe improved agricultural technologies associated with the production of enset. maize and tef, b) identify improved agricultural technologies related to production of enset, maize and tef which were transferred to farmers in Bolosso Sore district, c) identify and describe factors which influenced transfer of technologies pertaining to enset. maize and tef crops, d) identify the extent of utilization of enset, maize, and tef technologies that were transferred to farmers in Bolosso Sore district, e) describe factors, which facilitated or impaired utilization of improved technologies related to enset, maize and tef crops, f) determine the perception of farmers’ and village extension workers’ on transfer and utilization of enset, maize and tef technologies.The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey, which involved collecting data at one point in time from a selected sample of respondents. Data was collected using an interview schedule and questionnaire supported by informal discussion, personal observation and informal interview with key informants. A simple random sample of 120 respondents was picked from a sampling frame of 2310 heads of household using table of random numbers. The study results show that technologies like land preparation, use of improved seed, proper spacing, use of fertilizers, and use of pesticides with regard to maize and tef were transferred to the study area and utilized by the respondents. However, in case of enset, no specific technology was transferred and utilized because of lack of relevant technology. The extent of utilization was higher for technologies like land preparation, use of improved seed (specially CG 4141), use of fertilizers and proper weeding for maize. However, the extent of utilization for some of maize improved seeds (BH-660, BH-140 and Pioneer), tef improved seeds (Cross-37, DZ-01-196 and DZ-01-354) and pesticides for both maize and tef was found to be lower than expected. Major reasons given by the farmers for less utilization of these technologies were: low yield, late maturity, less tolerance to diseases and pests and lodging (in case of tef). The chi-square tests for relationship of factors such as sex, income, farm size and ownership of oxen and utilization of improved technologies were found to be statistically significant indicating that those who had larger farm sizes, higher income, who owned oxen and male respondents were better positioned to utilize the technologies. Factors which facilitated utilization of these technologies were, availability of credit, performance of technologies. availability of inputs and emphasis given by extension workers. The major factors which impaired utilization of technologies were unavailability of any technology (for enset), shortage of oxen, high cost of inputs, unreliable inputs supply, poor performance of some of the technologies (tef) and shortage of land. Farmers perception on enset, maize and tef technologies were that: some technologies (e.g. maze improved seed specifically CG-4141 and chemical fertilizer like DAP and urea) were very effective in addressing their production constraints. However, majority of the farmers were discontented with high cost of inputs, incompatibility of spacing with their previous practice, unreliable input supply and low price of the produce. The assessment of extension workers' perception on the technologies indicated that transfer and utilization of some of the technologies were facilitated by good performance of some of the technologies and availability of credit. However, they indicated their Concern over lack of relevant technology for enset and high cost of inputs when compared to the purchasing power of farmers. Recommendations pertaining to the study are given in chapter five.