Abstract:
Ethiopian dairy production sub-sector is one of the most important sources of income for
rural farm households. The country’s dairy production sub-sector is characterized by low
production, productivity, and faced by many constraints. To bring an improvement on the
dairy production sub-sector, dairy production technologies introduction was conducted.
However, most farmers are not users of the technology due to many factors including
economic, institutional and demographic factors. Therefore, this study is designed and
planned to be with aim of identifying the determinants of dairy production technologies
adoption. In this regard, adoption decision and, intensity of adoption determinants and
the major constraints of dairy production were examined. For this study, data were
collected from 195 sample respondents’ selected randomly using three stage sampling
technique. Among which 39% were adopters and 61% were non-adopters. For further
analysis, double hurdle model and Garret’s ranking technique were employed to analyze
adoption determinants. In addition the major constraints of dairy production were
prioritized. The result of the study revealed that, shortage of land, poor genetic potential
of indigenous cattle and high cost of improved feed were the major constraints of dairy
production in the study area. The double hurdle model analysis results suggested that, land
size, education status, annual income, and frequency of extension contact significantly
increased the probability of adoption of improved dairy production technology package
components. Contrary to this, market distance reduced the probability of adopting
improved dairy production technology package components. Regarding adoption intensity
measured using adoption index, credit utilization, access to artificial insemination service,
and access to cross breed cows had positively influenced the intensity of adoption.
Whereas, livestock size, and market distance were influenced negatively the intensity of
adoption. Adoption of improved dairy technology is low due to the above identified factors.
So, to bring an improvement on dairy production sector, the ministry of agriculture, the
livestock sector under the ministry, and other concerned stakeholders should work hard to
bring improvement through technology based interventions.
Key words: Adoption, adoption intensity, Determinants, Double-Hurdl