Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Agro-Ecological Practices in Kersa and Mana Districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Abstract
In order to achieve sustainable development, Ethiopian smallholder farmers are progressively implementing agro-ecological practices (AEPs); however, adoption remains uneven and restricted. To evaluate current AEP usage, identify its determinants, and analyze related constraints, this study was carried out in the Kersa and Mana districts of the Jimma Zone, using primary data from 200 households selected through multi-stage sampling, along with key informant interviews and focus group discussions, analyzed through descriptive statistics, a Multivariate Probit (MVP) model, and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. Descriptive results revealed adoption probabilities of 65% for agroforestry, 81% for crop rotation, 52% for mulching, 74% for intercropping, and 73% for composting, while the MVP model showed that education, age, livestock ownership, land area, input accessibility, and extension services positively influenced adoption, whereas sex, market accessibility, farming experience, and membership in farmer groups had a negative effect. Kendall's coefficient of concordance further identified high input costs as the most significant barrier to adoption, followed by other constraints. Based on these findings, enhancing farmer training programs, improving access to land and livestock resources, and reducing input costs through subsidies or financial aid emerge as key strategies through which governments can promote the adoption of agro-ecological practices and address the limitations identified.