DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION AND INTENSITY OF USE OF IMPROVED MAIZE VARIETIES IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA: A TOBIT ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study employed a Tobit model to examine factors that influence the adoption and intensity of utilisation of improved maize varieties in the West Shoa Zone in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The estimated results indicate that level of education, household labour, farm size, extension services, farm income, and timely availability of improved maize seeds significantly influence the adoption and intensity of use of improved maize. It also showed that the impact of off-farm income and age of the household head on adoption and intensity of use of improved maize seed was insignificant.