Tesfaye Gafaro,
Amanuel Afeto,
- Agricultural Economic Researcher, Department of Agricultural Economics and Gender Directorate, Southwest Ethiopia , Agricultural Research Institute; Bonga Agricultural Research Center,, Bonga, Ethiopia
- Agricultural Economic Researcher, Department of Agricultural Economics and Gender Directorate, Southwest Ethiopia , Agricultural Research Institute; Bonga Agricultural Research Center,, Bonga, Ethiopia
Abstract
This study investigates the determinants of adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAPs) among smallholder farmers in Gimbo District, Southwest Ethiopia. The focus is on three key technologies: agroforestry, improved seed varieties, and improved livestock feed and feeding practices. Primary data were collected from 384 households through structured interviews, and a multivariate probit (MVP) model was employed to analyze the simultaneous adoption of multiple technologies while accounting for potential interdependencies. Descriptive statistics and econometric results revealed that several socio-economic and institutional factors significantly influence adoption decisions. The findings show that education, access to training on CSAPs, extension services, access to credit, and climate information are strong and consistent predictors of adoption across the three technologies. Education and training had significant positive effects at the 1% level, suggesting that knowledge and awareness are central to technology uptake. Access to credit and extension services also enhanced adoption, while greater distance to markets negatively affected the likelihood of adopting agroforestry and improved seed varieties. Livestock ownership significantly influenced the adoption of improved feed practices. The study recommends expanding adult education, strengthening extension systems, improving access to credit and climate information, and investing in rural infrastructure to enhance adoption. The results offer important policy insights for stakeholders aiming to increase climate resilience in smallholder agriculture. Further research is suggested on gender-specific barriers, cost-benefit analysis of CSAPs, and the long-term effects of adoption
Keywords: Climate information, climate-smart agriculture, Gimbo district, multivariate probit model, smallholder farmers
[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology ]
Tesfaye Gafaro, Amanuel Afeto. Adoption of Major Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Gimbo District, Southwest Ethiopia. Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):65-76.
Tesfaye Gafaro, Amanuel Afeto. Adoption of Major Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Gimbo District, Southwest Ethiopia. Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):65-76. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoast/article=2026/view=242172
References
- Tesfaye L, Alemayehu S, Jalango D, Karanja S, Magambo G, Ghosh A, et al. Climate-smart agriculture investment plan for Ethiopia. Ethiopia; 2023.
- Erekalo KT, Yadda TA. Climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia: Adoption of multiple crop production practices as sustainable adaptation and mitigation strategies. World Dev Sustain. 2023;3:100099. doi:10.1016/j.wds.2023.100099
- Kabato W, Getnet GT, Sinore T, Nemeth A, Molnár Z. Towards climate-smart agriculture: Strategies for sustainable agricultural production, food security, and greenhouse gas reduction. Agronomy. 2025;15(3):565. doi:10.3390/agronomy15030565
- Hailu M, Abate E. Adoption and determinants of climate-smart agriculture practices among smallholder farmers in Welmera District, Ethiopia. Front Environ Microbiol. 2023;9(3):45–54. doi:10.11648/j.fem.20230903.12
- Jaleta M, Hodson D, Abeyo B, Yirga C, Erenstein O. Smallholders’ coping mechanisms with wheat rust epidemics: Lessons from Ethiopia. PLOS One. 2019;14(7):e0219327. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219327
- Kassie M, Teklewold H, Jaleta M, Marenya P, Erenstein O. Understanding the adoption of a portfolio of sustainable intensification practices in eastern and southern Africa. Land Use Policy. 2015;42:400–11. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.08.016
- Asfaw A, Bantider A, Simane B, Hassen A. Smallholder farmers’ livelihood vulnerability to climate change-induced hazards: Agroecology-based comparative analysis in north-central Ethiopia (Woleka Sub-basin). Heliyon. 2021;7(4):e06774. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06774
- Meshesha AT, Birhanu BS, Bezabih Ayele M. Effects of perceptions on adoption of climate-smart agriculture innovations: Evidence from the Upper Blue Nile Highlands of Ethiopia. Int J Clim Change Strateg Manag. 2022;14(3):293–311. doi:10.1108/IJCCSM-03-2021-0033
- Kansanga MM, Luginaah I, Kerr RB, Dakishoni L, Lupafya E. Determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption of short-term and long-term sustainable land management practices. Renew Agric Food Syst. 2021;36(3):265–77. doi:10.1017/S1742170520000120
- Teklewold H, Kassie M, Shiferaw B. Adoption of multiple sustainable agricultural practices in rural Ethiopia. J Agric Econ. 2013;64(3):597–623. doi:10.1111/1477-9552.12011
- Sisay T, Tesfaye K, Ketema M, Dechassa N, Getnet M. Climate-smart agriculture technologies and determinants of farmers’ adoption decisions in the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Sustainability. 2023;15(4):3471. doi:10.3390/su15043471
- Nigatu L, Dagne W, Belay T. Adoption and intensity of climate-smart agricultural practices in response to climate change in Ethiopia: A multinomial analysis. Clim Dev. 2022;14(3):217–29. doi:10.1080/17565529.2021.1902361
- Biratu GK, Sewnet SK, Ayalew TB. Factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices in Ethiopia: A review. Agric Syst. 2023;208:103626. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103626
- Dadi L. Adoption and diffusion of agricultural technologies: Case of East and West Shewa Zones, Ethiopia [doctoral dissertation]. Manchester (UK): University of Manchester; 1998.
- Kifle T, Ayal DY, Mulugeta M. Factors influencing farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture in Siyadebrina Wayu District, Ethiopia. Clim Serv. 2022;26:100290. doi:10.1016/j.cliser.2022.100290
- Ado AM, Savadogo P, Pervez AK, Mudimu GT. Farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate risks and their determinants: Insights from a farming community of Aguie District in Niger. GeoJournal. 2020;85(4):1075–95. doi:10.1007/s10708-019-10027-8
- Birhanu Arega, Yehuala K, Asichalew A. Determinants of inorganic fertilizer adoption: The case of smallholder farmers in Gimbo District, southwest Ethiopia. Dev Ctry Stud. 2023;13(5):1–12.
- Sindie Alemayehu, Ayalew Z, Sileshi M, Zeleke F. Determinants of the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices by smallholder wheat farmers in northwestern Ethiopia. Heliyon. 2024;10(13):e34233. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34233
- Belachew Agere, Mekuria W, Nachimuthu K. Factors influencing adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the northwest Ethiopian highlands. Int Soil Water Conserv Res. 2020;8(1):80–9. doi:10.1016/j.iswcr.2020.01.002
- Gemechis Merga, Sileshi M, Zeleke F. Welfare impact of improved maize varieties adoption among smallholder farmers in Amuru District, Ethiopia. Cogent Econ Finance. 2023;11(1):2207923. doi:10.1080/23322039.2023.2207923
- Gebrehiwot Weldegeberial G, Ichoku HE, Phil-Eze PO. Determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change in Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia. Heliyon. 2020;6(7):e04361. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04361
- Asante BO, Ma W, Prah S, Temoso O. Farmers’ adoption of multiple climate-smart agricultural technologies in Ghana: Determinants and impacts on maize yields and net farm income. Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change. 2024;29(2):16. doi:10.1007/s11027-023-10064-6
- Bryan E, Ringler C, Okoba B, Roncoli C, Silvestri S, Herrero M. Adapting agriculture to climate change in Kenya: Household strategies and determinants. J Environ Manage. 2013;114:26–35. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.10.036
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 01 |
| Received | 16/01/2026 |
| Accepted | 14/02/2026 |
| Published | 30/04/2026 |
| Publication Time | 104 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics
