Assessment Of Socio-Economic Determinants Of Maize Production Of The Smallholder Farmers: A Case Of Dangila Woreda,Awi Zone ,Amhara National Regional State, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assessing Socio-economic determinants of maize production among smallholder farmersin the Dangila Woreda,Awi-zone,Amhara National Regional State,North Western Ethiopia. To do this a descriptive survey research design was conducted. Using systematic selection, a total of 186HHHs (159 males and 27 females) identified for the questionnaire survey from the RKA using proportional systematic random sampling techniques based on sampling frames obtained from the RKA office.Two(2) agriculture experts both close-ended and open-ended questionnaire survey were purposively selected. In FGDs 6(six) farmer participants were purposively selected. In interview 6(six) farmer and 2 (two) expert participants were purposively selected.Beside this, adequate amount of data was collected by using multiple data collection tools. Predominantly questionnaires were used as a major data collection instrument. However, inorder to assure the validity of the data that obtained from questionnaires triangulation method was conducted by using semi-structured interview, field observation and focus group discussion. The data that obtained from questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively. Interview, focus group discussion and field observationwere analyzed qualitatively The generated data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics( like frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (like one sample t-test, multiple linear regression models). The major constaining factors for maize production in the study area were found to be:lack of inputs(chemicals ,fertilizers, seed,etc.,)price problem, lack of credit,lack of education, exetensionserivces and this was attributed to low maize production in the study area. The multiple linear regression results showed that total farm size in hectare,Age of households,fertilizer,labor,household size and educational status were significant variables that affect maize production. Therefore, attention should be given to improve the utilization of modern agricultural inputs, extension services, credit access and farmers education.