Determinants of adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices in the coffee-based farming system of Ethiopia

ObjectivesThis study explored the adoption status of different Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices and factors that influence their adoption for sustainable soil resource utilization in the changing climate.MethodologyWe used quantitative and qualitative primary data collected from smallholder farmers and other stakeholders from major coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia: Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP). We used the multivariate probit (MVP) model to study factors that influence the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies, namely, manure application, minimum tillage, intercropping, use of improved forage, and physical soil and water management practices.ResultsThe study result shows that 35% of farmers apply manure on their farm plots. Minimum tillage is also applied to 36% of farms. Intercropping improved forages and physical soil and water management structures are adopted by 45, 19, and 47% of farmers, respectively. The finding of the study indicates the positive and significant effect of education, extension (access to extension services and participation on field days), and ownership of communication devices specifically radio on the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.RecommendationsConcerning bodies must pay due attention to problems affecting effective farmers-extension linkage. The positive effect of radio ownership on technology adoption also suggests the need for increased accessibility of FM radio channels to farmers to be aware of climate change and innovative agricultural technologies, practices, and information that mitigate the problem.