Abstract:
Generally, this study was conducted by the title of the impact of agricultural extension
package on household poverty in the case of Abala Abaya woreda of Wolaita zone by using
400(218 participant and 182 non participant) sample households. There were different
methodologies used to conduct the study: both primary and secondary sources of data and
both descriptive and econometric methods of analysis were implemented. In terms of
measuring poverty, there was highest incident, depth and severity of poverty problem in the
study area due to low performance of agricultural extension package implementation and
unpredicted weather changes in study area. The results of the study indicated that the
program had a positive and significant impact on food and total expenditure per
adult
equivalent. Thirteen variables were hypothesized that determine households
“probability of participation in agricultural extension program and seven of them were
found significant. Thirteen variables were hypothesized that determine households‟
probability of participation in agricultural extension program. Among them seven of them
were found to be significant variables determining households‟ probability participation in
agricultural extension while the rest six variables were not significant in determining the
probability of participation. The study concluded that Educational level, land size,
participation in off-farm activities, access to credit, distance from FTC, distance from
nearest market center and contact with Development Agent, were variables that influence
households‟ probability of participation in agricultural extension. The results of the study
indicated that the program had a positive and significant impact on food and total
expenditure. Gains from participation range from 14.5 percent to 20.5 percent) and
12.3 to 17.6) for food and non –food expenditure. Generally, it is possible to conclude
that the program had substantial positive impact on poverty.
