Abstract:
Empirical studies on the adoption in agriculture identify various factors for the low adoption of
improved management pratices. Sorghum improved management practice technology
development and promotion have been done in Gondar Zuria district. However, the factors of
adoption and the level of adoption have not been systematically analyzed. Therefore, this study
was proposed with the objectives of identifying factors affecting adoption, the status of adoption,
and the perception of farmers about improved management practices of sorghum. The study
district was selected purposively due to previous intervention in the area. A total of 214 sample
respondents were selected randomly and interviewed. The factors that influence the adoption of
improved management practices of sorghum were identified by using the multivariate probit
model. The adoption level was categorized using the adoption index, and the perception of
farmers towards sorghum improved management practice was measured using the Likert scale
data analysis method. Based on the multivariate model result family size, sex, farm income,
cooperative membership, field day, and landholding were the factors that affect the adoption of
improved management practices of sorghum. Moreover, the result indicates that sampled
households are found in different categories of adoption, i.e., as non-adopters (0), low-adopters
(0.01-0.33), medium adopters (0.34-0.66), and high adopters (0.67-1). Plant growth, biomass
yield, grain yield, and early maturity, seed cost, easy management, proper fertilizer, weed, and
pest management, and reduce waterlogging were important parameters for farmers to apply
improved management practices of sorghum. In the study area, improved management practices
of sorghum are mainly affected by total family size, farm income, membership to cooperatives,
field day. The adoption status of improved management practices of sorghum are low and
farmers give highly perceived. Therefore, to increase the adoption level of improved
management practices of sorghum, all stakeholders should consider the perception of farmers
and can increase the farm income of the households, wise utilization of family labor, increasing
the membership of cooperatives. The adoption level of improved management practices should
further promoted by proposed it in the agricultural extension package.