Factors Influencing the Adoption of Wheat Technologies in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia: Tobit Model Application

Abstract

Boosting wheat productivity through the adoption of improved varieties and modern agronomic practices is vital for securing food and livelihoods in smallholder farming communities. While previous research often examines wheat technologies in isolation, this study bridges the gap by analyzing farmers’ adoption of multiple practices together, offering a clearer picture of what drives effective technology use. Thus, primary data were collected from 150 randomly selected farm households using a structured questionnaire for this study. A probit regression model was employed to identify factors influencing the adoption decision, while a Tobit model was used to examine the intensity of adoption. The results reveal that total livestock unit (TLU), frequency of extension contact, and area allocated for wheat positively and significantly affect the adoption decision, whereas access to credit negatively influences the likelihood of adoption. Similarly, the intensity of adoption is positively influenced by TLU, wheat market price, and extension contact, while it is negatively affected by the sex of household head and distance to the nearest market center. The findings underscore there need to improving extension services, market access, and institutional support to enhance wheat technology uptake and economic productivity in the study area.