Determinants of malt barley varietal adoption decisions of farmers: Evidence from the central highlands of Ethiopia

Barley is one of Ethiopia's most important cereal crops, ranking fifth in total cereal production, after maize, wheat, teff, and sorghum. Based on its intended use, it is divided into two types: food barley and malt barley. This study investigated the factors that affect farmers' decisions to adopt malt barley technology. The research was conducted in eight major malt barley-growing districts in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative data from 400 sample farmers. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to triangulate and substantiate the quantitative data. Secondary data were also used to supplement the primary data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric models. A logistic regression model was employed to analyze quantitative data. The findings revealed that educational level of the household head, family size of the household, access to input, experience, and access to demanded variety all have a positive and significant impact on malt barley technology adoption. However, the age of the household head, income from off-farm activities, and distance to the market have a negative and significant impact on farmers' decisions to use malt barley technology. Up to 2021, about 30 malt barley varieties were released or registered by the Ministry of Agriculture for production nationwide, while only six to seven varieties were adopted by the sampled farmer households. As a result, we concluded that strong government support and clear policy direction are required to encourage farmers and other stakeholders to invest more to enhance adoption of improved varieties across malt barley growing areas.