Adoption of Improved Sorghum Varieties in Mieso Woreda: Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

Sorghum is an important crop in Mieso Woreda. It has been producing traditionally using oxen plowing, sowing by broadcasting and threshing by animals. The grain is used for human consumption and the stover for animal fodder. Using improved high yielding crop varieties for agro pastoral households remains an option to increase agricultural production and ensure food security in developing countries. This study investigated improved Sorghum varieties adoption by agro pastoral households' in Mieso woreda. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the adoption of improved Sorghum varieties in Mieso Woreda of Oromia Region. Totally, 160 sample households (100 adopters and 60 non-adopters) selected from six kebeles of the Woreda. Were interviewed using structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected using group discussion and field observation. Data analysis were done using Chi-square, t-test, logit and stepwise linear regression econometrics models were employed to analyze the relative influence of different variables on probability and extent of adoption of improved Sorghum varieties, using a software called STATA 12. The results of the econometric model indicated that family size, Education level, Number of active labor of the household, attending field day programs, Frequency of contact with extension agent and Access to information and Number of livestock had found positive and significant influence at one percent probability level on adapter. Where as, age of household head and Number of dependent member of the household had negative influence on adoption of improved Sorghum varieties. The result of stepwise linear regression indicated that, Farmland size, Education level and Frequency of contact with extension agent had positive and significant influence on the extent to use improved Sorghum varieties. The findings of the study imply that strengthening extension service, improving information access, frequenting field demonstration and increasing the engagements of formal education would significantly enhance the probabilities of using improved Sorghum varieties. Key Words: