In the face of climate change, farmers worldwide are grappling with the challenge of maintaining food production levels. In Northwestern Ethiopia, a region where wheat is a staple crop, the Ethiopian government has been encouraging farmers to adopt irrigation technologies to combat the adverse effects of climate change on wheat yields. However, the adoption of these technologies has been uneven, prompting researchers to investigate the factors influencing farmers’ decisions.
A recent study published in the journal *Discover Sustainability* (translated from German as *Sustainability Discoveries*) sheds light on this very issue. Led by Jemberu Tarekegn Asmare from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of Gondar, the research examines the determinants of irrigation technology adoption among smallholder wheat farmers in Northwestern Ethiopia.
The study, which collected data from 424 farmers and 723 farming plots, employed the Double Hurdle model to analyze the factors influencing both the adoption and intensity of irrigation technology use. The findings reveal a complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental factors.
“Age of wheat farmers, total livestock holding, credit service provision, off/non-farm activities, social capital, soil fertility, and land slope were the main drivers of adoption of irrigation technology,” Asmare explains. The intensity of adoption, on the other hand, was primarily driven by off/non-farm activities, credit service provision, social capital participation, land size, and soil fertility.
The implications of this research are significant for the agricultural sector and beyond. By understanding the factors that drive the adoption of irrigation technologies, policymakers and agricultural extension services can design more targeted interventions to support farmers in their transition to more resilient and productive farming practices.
For instance, the findings suggest that enhancing farmers’ technical capacity through short-term, targeted training programs could boost adoption rates. Moreover, encouraging integrated farming, strengthening credit service provision, and securing soil fertility are crucial steps to increase both the adoption and intensity of irrigation technology use.
Asmare’s research also highlights the importance of social capital in driving the adoption of new technologies. “Creating social trust is a key factor in encouraging farmers to adopt new practices,” Asmare notes. This finding underscores the need for community-based approaches in agricultural extension services.
The study’s insights could also have commercial implications for the energy sector. As the demand for irrigation technologies grows, so too will the demand for the energy required to power these systems. This presents an opportunity for energy providers to develop innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.
Furthermore, the research could shape future developments in the field of agricultural economics. The Double Hurdle model used in this study provides a robust framework for analyzing the adoption and intensity of technology use, offering valuable insights for future research in this area.
In conclusion, Asmare’s research offers a nuanced understanding of the factors driving the adoption of irrigation technologies among smallholder wheat farmers in Northwestern Ethiopia. By providing actionable insights for policymakers, agricultural extension services, and energy providers, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to build more resilient and sustainable food systems in the face of climate change.