Technological Factors Affecting Adoption of Zero Tillage Farming by Agadi Households Farmers- Blue Nile State- Sudan Technological Factors Affecting Adoption of Zero Tillage Farming by Agadi Households Farmers- Blue Nile State- Sudan

Abstract

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) adopted a program for developing and modernizing rain-fed agriculture in Sudan it by applying Zero tillage cultivation. However, despite the great efforts exerted to promote this technology in Agadi and other areas since 2003, information on the adoption and factors affecting the adoption is relatively scarce.
The main objective of this study was to determine the level of adoption and identify some innovation attributes affecting adoption and dissemination of this technology in Agadi Sector in Blue Nile State of the Sudan. The study used a stratified and systematic random sampling technique to select the research sample which consisted of 300 farming households. The primary data was gathered through direct survey using structured interviews. In addition, field observation and informal group discussions with farmers, extension staff, and key informants was performed during the entire duration of the research. Secondary data was collected from institutional sources, references, reports, and previous studies. Descriptive statistics, tabular analysis (frequency distribution) was used to describe the different variables of the study and the extent of ZT adoption; whereas, significance of the variables was determined using chi-square test. Furthermore, Phi-test or Cramer’s V was used to assess the strength of association. The study revealed very low (6.3%) adoption rate of all ZT technology components in the study area. Adoption of ZT was found to be significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced by: Farmers’ perceptions of ZT implement availability, herbicide availability, perceived difficulty to understand ZT, and perceived ZT complexity and among them only implements availability and herbicide availability were strongly (Phi ≥0.7) ð‘Žð‘›ð‘‘ highly significantly affecting adoption of ZT technology. Other factors such as perceived ZT yield as compared with CT, perceived ZT profitability, perceived ZT cost, perceived ZT risk, ZT compatible with farmers values and needs, and perceived ZT suitability with farmers circumstance did not significantly ( at P ≤ 0.05) affecting adoption of ZT technology. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government of Sudan should facilitate a conductive environment for ZT adoption through: timely availability of required ZT implements and herbicides at the right time and place through construction of local manufactures, provision of spare part facilities, initial inputs subsidy and improvement of security situation.