Farmers’ evaluation, adoption, and sustainable use of improved sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) varieties in Harorays Woreda, Somali Region in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Ethiopia, a predominantly agrarian country, faces persistent challenges in its agricultural sector, which significantly contribute to poverty and food insecurity. Objectives: This study examines the adoption, evaluation, and sustainable use of improved sorghum varieties in Harorays Woreda, Somali Regional State. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative data. A multistage sampling process was applied to choose the 197 sample household heads. Results: The results of the descriptive statistics indicated that 40.1% and 59.9% of the sample households adopted and did not adopt enhanced sorghum varieties, respectively. The study employed a binary logistic regression model to analyze factors influencing the adoption of improved sorghum varieties among smallholder farmers. From 12 initial variables, 9 were included based on their significance. Results indicated that younger farmers were more likely to adopt (p = 0.000, odds ratio = 0.538), while farming experience negatively affected adoption (p = 0.042, odds ratio = 0.928), reflecting resistance to change among experienced farmers. Farm size (p = 0.000, odds ratio = 1.957) and livestock ownership (p = 0.000, odds ratio = 1.307) positively influenced adoption. However, off-farm income showed a negative association (p = 0.001, odds ratio = 0.070). These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address identified barriers and enablers. Challenges such as delayed seed delivery (7.6%), bird attacks (1.5%), and labor shortages (0.5%) were reported as factors contributing to the discontinuation of these varieties. Conclusion: The adoption of improved sorghum varieties is shaped by factors, such as access to extension services, credit, farm size, and age, while challenges such as logistical inefficiencies and agronomic issues hinder progress. Recommendations: Key recommendations include enhancing extension services, improving credit access, ensuring timely seed delivery, developing agronomic innovations, engaging younger farmers, and implementing tailored interventions to support sustainable adoption.