Abstract:
The importance of agricultural technology in enhancing the welfares of farmers can
be realized when yield gain from the technologies results in meaningful income gain. This
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thesis aimed at analyzing adoption and intensity of adoption of improved soybean variety and
to assess economic impact of improved soybean (Bellessa-95) variety on income among farm
households in Bambasi woreda. In this study a multi-stage stratified sampling technique was
employed to select rural kebeles and households. Three rural kebeles were selected randomly.
Structured interview schedule was developed, pre-tested and used for collecting the essential
quantitative data for the study from 134 randomly selected households. Descriptive statistics,
double hurdle and propensity score machining (PSM) models were employed to analyze data.
Results of descriptive analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences
between adopter and non-adopter households with distance to market, livestock ownership,
and frequency of extension visit, farm income as well as number of oxen owned. Consistent
with the findings of previous studies, regression results showed that improved soybean
(Bellesa-95) adoption decision of farm households has been determined by sex of household
head, distance to the nearest market, being member of cooperatives, number of oxen,
participation in training and demonstration and intensity of improved soybean adoption is
determined by livestock holding, frequency of extension visit, farm income and asset
ownership. The regression result also revealed that adoption of improved soybean has a
positive and significant effect on farm income by which adopters are better-off than
non-adopters. Based on results obtained it is recommended to continuous training in
improved soybean production. Promoting farmers to form or join cooperatives. Strengthening
demonstration centers and Farmers Training Centers (FTC) should be done. Transaction
costs should be reduced and scaling up and diffusion of improved soybean varieties in the
study area should be broadened.
