The Application of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis and the Role of Farmers Research Group (FRG) in Agricultural Technology Adoption and Dissemination Case Study in the Central Highlands of Oromia Ethiopia

This paper presents the role, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of FRG in agricultural technologies adoption and dissemination in the central highlands of western Shewa Oromia Ethiopia. Two sub-districts were selected because of the presence of different FRGs. The objective of the study was to investigate FRG approach is an approach which helps farmers to adopt new agricultural technologies. Data were collected by multi-stage sampling methods SWOT analysis, group discussion; key informant interview, mapping and task analysis were employed for data analysis. A total of one hundred thirty (130), interviewers were participated as individual households and group discussion where 54 from FRG members and 76 non- members. Data were analyzed in qualitative and SWOT analysis. The Results of analysis reveal that roles of FRG were enhancing new agricultural technologies adoption and dissemination. As Strengths voluntary participation and organization, simple chain of command, improve interaction with group and strong linkage with agricultural researchers. As weakness documentation, recording and handling of data wear not well organized. As an opportunity policy and enabling policy of the country favored group work, non participant farmers show a tendency of organizing themselves by FRGs, availability of improved agricultural technologies and very positive mutual understanding and perception about agricultural researchers. As a threats there is no expected support from district agricultural office, less participation of stakeholders except agricultural researchers, very less women participation, no body take responsibility to access stable market. Keywords: FRG, Agricultural technologies ,Adoption, Dissemination, DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-12-03 Publication date:June 30th 201