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Farmer’s Perception Towards Agricultural Technology. The Case of Improved Highland Maize Varieties Adoption in Selected Kebeles of Toke Kutaye District, West Showa Zone

The study aims to reveal farmer’s perceptions towards improved highland maize varieties in selected kebeles of Toke kutaye districts. In this paper, farmer’s perception towards improved highland maize varieties were investigated or measured using a scale with items developed for the purpose of this study. Two stage sampling procedures were followed in order to draw 150 sample respondents. Responses of sample respondents on the perception related were analyzed using Likert type scale. Based on the level of agreements the result revealed that perception on disease resistant, high yielding potential of the varieties, early maturity of the varieties, agro ecological suitability and availability of seed at the right time and quality showed relatively best performance of the varieties in the study area. Whereas, perception on technological availability of the varieties indicates relatively poorest agreement compared to all other characteristics of level of agreements considered. Even if the advantages of the varieties are more for households of the study area, some farmers are discouraged to adopt the variety because of reasons such as demand more inputs, the lack of credit service, market problem, insect pest problem, lack of awareness and extension support on the technology. Therefore, the extension and research system have to look in to these factors to give solution for the adoption of the variety. Keywords: Highland maize, Perception, Likert type scale, agreements DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-5-09 Publication date :March 31 st 2019