Farm Typology to Enhance Rice Technologies Adoption in Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to conduct a review of farm typology in order to improve the adoption of rice technologies in Ethiopia. Rice production has experienced significant growth in the country, with the cultivated area expanding from 33,820 hectares in 2013 to 60,000 hectares in 2022. However, the adoption level of rice technologies remains low, posing a challenge to meet the increasing demand that is currently being met through rice imports. To address this issue, the government has developed a national rice production strategy and flagship programs at the national level. Furthermore, understanding the characteristics of farmers is crucial for the successful implementation of these initiatives, as farmers are heterogeneous in terms of their resources, preferences, and objectives. Consequently, the adoption rate of rice technologies varies among farmers, leading to different demands for agricultural advisory services. To develop effective farm typologies, it is important to identify the key drivers of technology adoption, such as farm size, risk exposure, human capital, labor availability, credit access, and access to commodity markets. While there are various theories available for studying farm typology, the sustainable livelihood theory is particularly comprehensive in creating effective typologies. These theories employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In conclusion, conducting a farm typology study specific to rice cultivation is crucial for enhancing the adoption level of rice technologies.