ASSESSING THE ROLES OF FARMER’S RESEARCH GROUP (FRG) IN POTATO TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION: A CASE STUDY OF WELMERA WEREDA, OROMIYA SPECIAL ZONE, ETHIOPIA” A

Abstract

The main focus of this study was to assess the roles of FRG for the adoption, extent and determinant factors of improved potato production package in Welmera wereda. The sample size of the study was 130 households, of which 54 were FRG members and 76 were non-FRG members. The samples were taken from two administrative kebeles. The sampled respondents were interviewed by using structured interview schedule. Group discussion was also undertaken with selected farmers, development agents and researchers to gather the qualitative data and SWOT analysis in the selected kebele administration. For data analysis, statistical tests like chi-square, t-test, and one way ANOVA were used to test the variation among the FRG and non-FRG. The econometric model Tobit was used to identify the effect of the hypothesized variables on the dependent variable. The result of the econometric model indicated that educational level of respondent, total land holding, accesses to research and access to extension were found significant to influence adoption of improved potato production packages. In general, this study found that FRG approach has contributed to significant extend for adoption of improved potato production technology. The most important thing mentioned by the respondents were non-FRG participant farmers have very great interest to be a member of FRG. The overall finding of the study underlined different stakeholders involvement is crucial to strengthen existing FRGs and in the formation of new FRGs.