Adoption of artificial insemination service for cattle crossbreeding by smallholder farmers in Laelay-Maichew district, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Adoption of artificial insemination (AI) in Ethiopia is low and there is paucity of information in documentation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption of AI technology in Laelay-Maichew district. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select 155 sample respondents for the study. The primary data were collected through individual interviews using semi-structured interview and check list. Descriptive, inferential statistics and binary logistic model were employed to describe the study results and identify the determinants of farmers to adopt improved breeding method of AI. The farmers’ adoption of AI was influenced by access to credit facilities and mobile phone, social participation, formal training, frequency of extension contact, knowledge about AI practice and perception of AI profit positively and  participating in off-farm activities negatively. In conclusion, ownership of information and communication technology (ICT), access to extension services (training and extension visit), knowledge of AI practices and perception of profit determined farmers’ AI adoption. There is a need to improve the effectiveness of extension service through strengthening the training, frequent home visit, making credit service accessible, and educating farmers regarding the knowledge and importance of AI technology for its effective dissemination. Key words: Adoption, artificial insemination (AI), crossbreeding cattle, binary logit econometric model.