Participatory Evaluation and Promotion of Improved Bread Wheat Technology in the Dry lands of Wag-lasta, Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects

This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative advantage, farmers’ reference and  stakeholders’ linkage in bread wheat technology, involving 100 farmers in Wag-lasta, Ethiopia. Both  quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used to compare the improved technology with  the local practice. Cost-benefit ratio, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for quantitative  analysis. Farmers’ technology preference and stakeholders’ linkage were assessed using Likert scale and  SWOT analysis. The improved technology had 116.7% yield advantage over the local practice and was  economically profitable. Nonetheless, the farmers were describing that full package application was  tough due to lack of practical training, package complication and labor shortage in descending order.  Except resistance to pest, most farmers had positive attitude towards identified preference parameters.  Strengths and weaknesses of stakeholders in the promotion were recognized matching with opportunities  and threats. Therefore, the improved technology is suggested for wider diffusion in the study area.  Providing extension and training, on top of identifying viable sources and multiplying cooperatives to the  technology would enhance the farmers’ uptake.