Estimating the demand for certified chickpea seeds among smallholder farmers in the Eastern and South Western Shewa Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Previous studies in Ethiopia have primarily focused on the adoption of improved chickpea varieties along with complementary inputs. However, there is a significant research gap when it comes to investigating the determinants that influence the demand for certified seeds in the country. This study aims to examine these determinants and their impact on the demand for certified chickpea seeds among farmers in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 186 randomly selected sample farmers using a multistage sampling approach. A double hurdle model was used to analyze the data, considering that the decisions to participate in certified seed purchase and the quantity of seeds purchased are influenced by different factors. The results show that land size, household size, age, education level, cooperative membership, access to extension services, seed price, and distance to the cooperative office were found to significantly influence participation in seed purchase. Moreover, household size, education level, land size, livestock holding, seed price, and cooperative membership were identified as significant factors influencing the quantity of certified chickpea seeds purchased. In conclusion, by improving the skill of farmers, guaranteeing the availability of certified seeds through collaborative efforts, and implementing a program that offers subsidies on seed prices, it is possible to boost crop productivity for farmers with limited resources. The study suggests that supporting certified seed producers and implementing a seed price subsidy program could enhance crop productivity for farmers with limited resources. It also recommends policies to prioritize improving the availability and quality of certified seeds for farmers in Ethiopia.