Determinants of adoption of improved Jalenea potato variety: The case of Chencha Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

This study was to examine factors affecting adoption of improved Jalenea potato variety in the study area in the year 2017. Primary data for the study were collected from respondents using structured interview schedule. Focus group discussions were conducted with farmer and stakeholders. The data were analyzed using mean, percentage, frequency, chi-square test, and T-test. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors affecting adoption of the variety. Age of the household negatively and significantly affected adoption whereas sex of the household head positively and significantly affected the adoption. Non-farm activity and farm income had positive and significant effect on adoption. Advisory service from extension agents, attending training and field day, and membership of seed multiplication cooperative had also positively and significantly affected adoption of improved Jalenea potato variety. The finding highlighted the importance of institutional support in the area of extension; training and farmers’ cooperatives. Therefore, policy and development interventions should give emphasis to improving institutional support system. Key words: potato, binary loggit, determinants, odds ratio, management practices.