This study was conducted in Meket district of Amhara National Regional State in northern Ethiopia. Crosssectional data was used for the study, which was collected from 214 randomly selected agricultural households using a structured interview protocol. With the help of the double hurdle model, factors were identified that influence the probability of adoption and the intensity of use of improved bread wheat varieties and associated technologies in the study area. The first hurdle of the model suggests that the number of oxen in the household, cell phone ownership, the level of education of the head of the household, and access to extension services significantly influenced the likelihood of improved adoption of bread wheat varieties. The first hurdle of the model suggests that the number of oxen in the household, cell phone ownership, that the number of oxen in the household, cell of the household, that the number of oxen in the household, cell services significantly that the number of oxen in the household, cell bread wheat varieties. The intensity of the improved adoption of bread wheat varieties was significantly linked to ownership of the main plots, participation in farm demonstrations, awareness of the shattering problems of local bread wheat varieties, and the annual income of the household. The results of this study highlight the importance of economic (such as the number of oxen) and institutional (such as access to advice) factors in relation to agricultural advice and communication, participation of farmers in farm demonstrations, wealth creation and the recognition of the farmers' perception of improved attributes of bread wheat varieties. Development interventions should aim to target such economic, institutional and psychological factors in order to promote wider adoption of improved bread wheat technologies.

Teff is a major indigenous cereal crop in Ethiopia, produced for household consumption and income generation. The determinant factors of adoption of teff row planting by female farmers vis-à-vis their male counterparts are not understood. Therefore, a survey was conducted to identify factors that determine adoption of teff row planting technology in a gender perspective in Moretna Jiru district, North Shoa, Ethiopia. A random sample of 131 male and 31 female headed households were randomly taken from four kebeles (lowest administrative unit) of the district. Primary data was collected from sample respondents and secondary data from various other sources. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression were used in data analysis. Tobit regression was used to identify determinant factors of adoption. The findings of the marginal effect revealed that 81% of the female headed households (FHH) had favorable attitude towards the technology, a year increase in schooling increased the intensity of use of the technology by 39% and one ha increase in land holding size increased it by 30%. With regard to male headed households (MHH), positive attitude towards the technology increased the intensity of use of the technology by 39%, getting extension service by 38% and increase in education by 24%. In conclusion, extension agents should work hard with female headed farmers and ensure the implementation of teff row planting technology by strengthening FTCs via improved resources.

Background Faba bean (Vicia faba. L) is the most important pulse crop both in area coverage and volume of annual production in Ethiopia. However, productivity in terms of yield in Ethiopia is still far below its potential. One important reason is that farmers are largely dependent on their local landraces. Despite the release of about 34 improved faba bean cultivars, farmers’ use of certified improved seeds is very low. This study, therefore, aimed to generate useful information on farmers’ adoption of improved faba bean cultivars by identifying factors that determine a farmer’s decision to use improved cultivars. Methods A multi-stage sampling technique was followed to select sample households. A cross-sectional household survey was used to collect data from 168 households that were randomly selected. Moreover, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. For data analysis, the Double-hurdle econometric model was employed. Results The results revealed that the majority, i.e., 77% of rural households depended on their local landraces. The adoption rate of improved faba bean seed at the household level was 23% which is very low. This low adoption rate was mainly due to a lack of access to improved seed and a lack of awareness about the improved cultivars. The results suggest that the decisions to adopt the improved cultivars and how much land to be covered appear to be explained by different processes. The double-hurdle econometric model result further revealed that while a farmer’s adoption decision is influenced by family size, farmers’ awareness about the existing improved cultivars, and extension contact, the intensity of adoption is determined by livestock holding and access to market information. Conclusion The result showed that most of the rural households were largely dependent on their local faba bean landraces which result in low yields at harvest. Therefore, it is suggested that the promotion of improved faba bean cultivars and improve farmers’ access to extension service and timely market information are the most decisive factors to be emphasized to improve the adoption of improved cultivars.

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