Abstract

The study investigates the determinants of adoption of improved wheat varieties in Robe and Digelu-Tijo Districts in Oromia Region. The objective of this study was to determine factors that affect the adoption and intensity of use of improved wheat varieties production in Arsi zone with specific reference to Robe and DigeluTijo Districts. The study finds that the level of adoption of improved wheat varieties in Arsi Zone is very high; about 68% of the households grow improved wheat varieties. About 53% of the wheat area is planted to improved varieties, indicating a high intensity of adoption. To identify the determinants of adoption and level of adoption of improved wheat varieties, a Double-hurdle (D-H) model was employed. The results of the D-H model provided empirical evidence of a positive impact of household head sex, field day participation, access to all weather roads, and district in enhancing the adoption of improved wheat varieties. With regard to the intensity of use of improved wheat varieties, household head sex and access to all weather roads had a significantly negative impact on intensity of use of improved wheat varieties while access to credit, active family force, market distance and district had a positive impact on intensity of use of improved wheat varieties. The overall findings of the study emphasized household head sex, field day participation, access to all weather roads, access to credit, active family force, district and market distance as being key determinants on the intensity and adoption of use of improved wheat varieties. Hence, development intervention should give emphasis to these variables in order to increase the probability of adoption and intensity of use of improved wheat varieties.

Key words: Improved wheat varieties, adoption, intensity, tobit model, double hurdle model.