Determinants of Smallholder farmers irrigated wheat participation decision in East Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Authors: Hikma Sultan Haji, Abayneh Ayele

Abstract: This study was initiated to analyze farmers participation in irrigated wheat production and its determinants in Lume and Adami Tulu Jido kombolcha Districts. A multi stage random sampling used to select 204 sample households. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used to accomplish the study. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric model. The result of the study revealed that about 70.59% of sample households were participated in irrigated wheat production whereas the 29.41% were not participated in irrigated wheat production in the study areas. The result of probit model revealed that, household education level, land allocated for wheat production, participation in cooperatives, cash income from livestock and irrigated wheat perception were significantly and positively influenced irrigated wheat participation decision while distance to market center affected it negatively. The study recommended that the government, stakeholders and concerned bodies need to focus on facilitating farmers to participate in cooperatives, strengthen awareness creation on irrigated wheat and improving livestock production as to improve irrigated wheat participation decision.