Intensity of agricultural information utilization among small holder farmers in East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Agricultural information is essential for the development of agriculture and the improvement of farmers' living standards. This study evaluated the utilization of agricultural information and its intensity among smallholder farmers in the East Gojjam Zone of the Amhara Regional State in Ethiopia. Data was collected through structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews; it was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and an ordered probit model in Stata. The results reveal that family members, extension workers, and neighboring farmers are the primary sources of agricultural knowledge for smallholder farmers in the study area. The ordered probit regression analysis identified several significant predictors of agricultural information utilization, including marital status, farm experience, exposure to electronic and printed media, access to extension services, availability of farm inputs, training opportunities, market distance, proximity to development agent centers, and attendance in Farmer Training Center (FTC) events. Major constraints to information utilization were found to include limited cultivated land (92.56 %), uncertainties (92.31 %), weak economic conditions (91.32 %), lack of credit for technological inputs (86.10 %), insufficient facilities and professionals (78.75 %), and labor shortages (76.92 %). The study recommends that policymakers and local governments enhance extension services, invest in training centers, improve credit accessibility, leverage media and ICT, strengthen infrastructure, and implement targeted training programs to optimize agricultural information dissemination and utilization. These measures are crucial for boosting productivity and improving farmers' livelihoods in the study area.