Abstract:
In Fedis Woreda the production of sorghum crop ranks 1st from the other cereals cultivated.
Due to this reason, different improved sorghum varieties adaptation was done; however, the
trend of varietal exchange within the adopter farmer was not well known. Therefore, study was
aimed at analyzing the adoption of improved sorghum varieties in Fedis woreda of eastern
Ethiopia. Its specific objectives were to identify the actors and their roles in improved sorghum
seed varietal exchange, to identify factors affecting improved sorghum seed varietal exchange of
adopter farmer; and to identify constraints and opportunities for farmers to exchange improved
sorghum varieties. To achieve these objectives both primary and secondary data were used. The
primary data were collected from 123 sampled farm household heads, focus group discussion
and a key informant interview. Secondary data were collected from published and unpublished
documents. The data were analyzed by using both descriptive statistics and econometric model.
A binary logit model was used to analyze the factors affecting improved sorghum seed varietal
exchange of adopter farmer. The study identified three actors who play important roles in
improved seed varietal exchange in the study area. These are farmers, governmental
organizations and different NGOs. The survey results indicate that from the total sampled
respondent 48 HHHs have exchanged the variety the remaining 75 HHHs have not exchanged
the variety. The t-test and chi-square test results show that from the total explanatory variables
which were tested five of them are significant at 1% and 5% significance level. These are sex of
the household heads, perception on the varietal attribute, credit access, level of education and
experience in using improved variety. Binary logit model results indicate that sex of the
household heads, level of education, experience in using improved sorghum variety, the
perception in varietal attribute and extension contact frequency posetively affected the improved
sorghum seed varietal exchange. The existence of a research center, government and NGOs
support are found as opportunities. Low biomass of the released variety, seasonal variation, low
practice of farm save seed, dependence on emergency seed aid, late provision of seed and weak
attention to improved variety were found as constraints. The results of this study suggest that the
government and the responsible bodies should focus on farmers preference, sex unbiased
extension, motivating farmers to increase grade level, using experienced farmers as example to
convince less experienced farmers, provide training to shape perception on attribute and
increase the frequency of extension contact with farmers in the study area.
