ABSTRACT
Though organized way of extension of improved dairy practices has been undertaking since 1950s in Ethiopia, the
majority of the farmers are still practicing traditional dairy management. This study was carried out to find out the
factors influencing technology adoption in dairy production. To achieve the objective of the study, cross sectional
survey was employed using 150 farmers. A random sampling technique was employed to identify the sample respondents.
Holistically, to capture all the relevant information, mixed methods such as focus group discussion, key informant
interview, survey and observation were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,
multinomial logistic regression and ranking. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that age, education level of
household head, farm experience, livestock holding size, frequency of extension contact, availability of improved
dairy practices and training were found to be positively and significantly influencing the adoption of improved dairy
practices. The main reasons for non adoption of improved dairy practices were shortage of animal feed, in adequate
improved dairy practices, cost of improved dairy practices, shortage of farm land and attention of extension services
only to model farmers living at accessible areas. The study evidently indicated the need for the extension organization
to revise the existing implementation scheme of extension works at field level; enhancing integrated action of multiactors; capacitating farmers; creating ready market; developing need based and affordable improved dairy practices
and promoting farmer-to-farmer extension for sustainable dairy development.
Home AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
