Assessment of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Production and Productivity Influencing Factors in North and Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate North and Northeastern Amhara’s output of black cumin and the factors that affect its productivity. The survey was carried out in six districts and three zones in North and Northeastern Ethiopia between January and April 2024. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews, focus groups, and field observations. Using a stratified random sample technique, 199 black cumin farmers from 12 kebeles were chosen. Primary and secondary sources were used to collect the data. According to the survey results, the respondents’ average age was 41 years, their landholding size was 0.32 ha, they had 22 years of producing experience, and their maturity time was 126 days. Male respondents made up 69% and female respondents made up 31%, with an average training participation rate of 1.95. Furthermore, 23% of people were illiterate and 77% of people were literate. Approximately 62% and 44% of black cumin crops were rotated and interplanted with other crops, respectively. The topography variable results showed that 54% of respondents planted black cumin in undulating farmland, while 46% planted it in a plain. Additionally, 36% of respondents’ farmed black cumin using improved varieties, 42% of respondents’ black cumin farms were impacted by pests, and 79% and 21% of respondents sold black cumin seed at high and low prices, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that black cumin productivity is significantly and favorably impacted by family size, crop rotation, variety type, product market price, and training variables, while household head age had a significant negative impact. According to the results, authorities should prioritize encouraging farmers to use better crop varieties, crop rotation, enhanced markets, and farmer training initiatives.