Determinants of Adoption of Vermicomposting Technology among Smallholder Farmers in Walmara Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2023-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The majority of the workforce in Ethiopia is employed in agriculture, which also has the largest economic contribution. However, agriculture is relied small-scale subsistence farming systems which practiced on infertile soil. Because of this low agricultural production owing to infertility problem, many people have been facing food insecure. Using vermicompost is among important solution for reducing such soil fertility problem and vulnerability to food insecurity although the practice is not adopted by farmers at expected level. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze factors influencing the adoption of vermicomposting technology in Walmara woreda. To achieve the objective of the study, data were collected from 184 householders (HHs) where (76 vermicompost adopters and 108 non-vermicompost adopters HHs). In addition, key informants and focus group discussions were conducted to support the survey data. The quantitative data analysis were analysed using both descriptive and econometric methods. Data analysis was done using both descriptive and econometric methods. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the determinants of adoption of vermicomposting technology. The analysis revealed that age, education status, field demonstration, distance to nearest farmland, access to credit and the extent of soil fertility problem were the variables that were significantly affected. The studies also showed that vermicompost has a positive role to increase soil fertility, and thereby boosted crop production and productivity. The analysis showed the main challenge of adoption of vermicomposting technology in the study area are lack of awareness, interest, labour, vermin box, access of technology, land, government support, and capital. The study determined that vermicompost is the main possible solution to increase soil fertility and production in the study area. Thus, it is advised that vermicomposting technology be given priority by governments as well as other interested participants in order to increase soil fertility, production, and productivity.
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Keywords
adoption, fertility, Production, soil, technology, vermicomposting, walmara