Drivers of female farmers' adoption of improved bread wheat varieties in Emba Alaje district, Northern Ethiopia

• Published in: Cogent food & agriculture 2024-12, Vol.10 (1)
• Main Authors: Alemu Kebede, Sinkie, Daru Tariku, Getasew
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adoption; Bread wheat; determinant; female-headed household; Gender Studies - Soc Sci; Gender & Development; Sustainable Development; Rural Development; Economics and Development; improved variety; Manuel Tejada, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain; probit model
• ISSN: 2331-1932; 2331-1932
• DOI: 10.1080/23311932.2024.2308327

Wheat is one of the cereal crops grown around the world, as well as in Ethiopia. However, female farmers are limited in their ability to achieve their estimated potential as a country in general and in the study area in particular. Even though Emba Alaje district is a potential area for bread wheat production in the Tigray region, so far studies have been scanty on female farmers' adoption of improved bread wheat production. Thus, this study analyses the determinants of female farmers' adoption of bread wheat production. This primary data was collected from 169 female farmers in Emba Alaje district using semi-structured interview schedules. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select representative samples. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and econometric analysis. A binary probit regression model was used to analyze factors influencing the adoption of improved bread wheat varieties by female farmers. According to the model results, educational level, family labour, oxen ownership, training access, membership in cooperatives, and credit access positively influenced, while the age of the female farmers negatively influenced the adoption of bread wheat production by female farmers. Therefore, policymakers and other stakeholders should consider these factors to support female farmers in bread wheat production and to accelerate overall agricultural development. Agriculture is the basic means of livelihood for the majority of Ethiopians and women are the integral part of agricultural production. Yet, the performance of female farmers in agricultural production is constrained by different factors. To alleviate the common problem of rural women farmers, understanding the background reality is very necessary. Therefore, identifying different factors that affect the level of female farmers' adoption of bread wheat production has a principal role. The female farmers' adoption was determined by different social, economic and institutional factors. The result of the study will serve as a source of information for policymakers, researchers, extension workers, farmers and students who are directly or indirectly involved in women empowerment in agricultural production.