Factors affecting adoption of improved haricot bean varieties and associated agronomic practices in Dale Woreda, SNNPRS

Haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important food legumes of Ethiopia and it is considered as the main cash crop and the least expensive source of protein for the farmers in many lowlands and mid altitude of the country. Low production and productivity, which are mainly associated with poor adoption of improved technologies and poor marketing system, were among the major problems. Adoption of improved technologies is one of the most promising ways to reduce food insecurity in Ethiopia. However, the adoption and dissemination of these technologies is constrained by various factors. The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting adoption and intensity of adoption of improved haricot bean varieties and associated agronomic practices in Dale Woreda, Sidama zone of SNNPR. In the area, haricot bean is an important crop, which serves as a source of food and cash. A total of 150 sample households (131 male and 19 female) selected from 5 kebeles of the Woreda were interviewed using structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected using group discussion and field observation. Data analysis was done with the help SPSS 17; mainly Chi-square test, F-test Cramer’s V, and Pearson Correlation. Tobit econometrics model was employed using STATA11. The results of the econometric model indicated that the relative influence of different variables on probability and intensity of adoption of improved haricot bean production Thus, ,sex of house hold head, , attending training on improved haricot bean production, attending field day programs, conducting demonstration, access to improved seed credit and membership of seed multiplication group were positively and significantly influenced where as market distance negatively influenced adoption and intensity of adoption of improved haricot bean varieties and associated agronomic practices. Farmers’ evaluation and selection criteria of improved haricot bean varieties in the study area in order of importance were high yielding, market demand, price advantage, time of maturity, grain color, grain size, disease resistance and storability. Based on these criteria Nasir variety ranks first and dimtu variety ranks second. In addition, majority of farmers in the study area used seed and fertilizer rates below research and extension recommendations. Farmers’ deviation from recommended package practices was found partly due to inadequate extension service, high cost of fertilizer and also lack of finance. The overall findings of the study underlined the high importance of extension service provision to improve farmers’ access to information and extension advices to address the recommended agronomic practices practically, facilitating access to credit and improving market condition, Attention has to be given to women household headed to participate in improved haricot bean production, Therefore development interventions should give emphasis to improvement of such institutional support systems to increase adoption and productivity of the crop