Determinants of Farmers Participation Decision on Local Seed Multiplication in Amhara Region,Ethiopia: A Double Hurdle Approach

This study is intended to identify the determinants of farmers? participation in local seed multiplication and to assess the level of farmers? participation in wheat and potato seed multiplication in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Primary data was collected from 120 randomly selected respondents. The survey data was analyzed using double-hurdle model. Results of the determinants and intensity of farmers? participation in both wheat and potato seed multiplication indicated that distance to the main road, access to input supply, participation in field days and wealth status in terms of livestock size impacted the first binary decision of whether or not to participate in local seed multiplication farming. On the other hand, farmers' decision on the proportion of land allocated to seed multiplication were found to have been significantly influenced by number of oxen owned, access to complementary input and participation in field days. Therefore, responsible government organizations need to give attention to strengthen and leverage government extension service to promote awareness creation of the existing seed multiplication technologies by arranging field day visit. Emphasis needs to be given to enhancing the access to basic inputs either through sale or distribution is necessary for meaningful participation of farmers in local seed multiplication