Abstract:
The aim of this study was to empirically examine factors affecting adoption of improved Jalenea
potato variety in Chencha Woreda. The Woreda was selected purposely because it has high
potential area in potato production and has 45 rural kebeles from which 14 kebeles have better
potential to produce ware and seed potato of which 4 kebeles were selected by using simple
random sampling technique. As to the sample size 120 respondents were considered for the study
and it was determined using Yamane’s formula. Prior to selection of the respondents’ first potato
growers in the selected Kebeles were identified. Second, the number of respondents from each
kebele was determined based on the proportion of growers in each kebele. Finally, the
respondents were selected using a random sampling technique. Relevant primary data for the
study were collected from respondents using structured interview schedule. Furthermore, four
focus group discussions were conducted with farmer and stakeholders drawn from four kebeles.
The participants of focus group discussion include DAs, Woreda experts and women’s.
Secondary data were retrieved from relevant report and documents. The quantitative data were
analyzed using SPSS version 20 wherein different descriptive and inferential statistical
techniques were used. Important statistical techniques used in the present study were mean,
percentage, frequency, Chi- square test, and T-test. Moreover, binary logistic regression
analysis was conducted to identify factors affecting adoption of improved Jalenea potato variety.
The result of the study indicated that age of the household was negatively and significantly
correlated with adoption whereas sex of the household head was positively and significantly
related to the adoption. Non-farm activity, total land size and farm income had positive and
significant relationship with adoption. Attending training, field day, and membership of seed
multiplication cooperative also had positive and significant relationship with adoption of
improved Jalenea potato variety. The overall finding of the study underlined the importance of
institutional support in the area of extension; training and membership of farmer’s cooperatives
to enhance adoption of the variety. Therefore, policy and development interventions should give
emphasis to improvement of such institutional support system so as to achieve broader adoption,
increase production and income to smallholder farmers.
