Determinants of Inorganic Fertilizer Use Intensity on Cereal Crop among Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Toke Kutaye District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia
Abstract The study was aimed to analysis determinants of inorganic fertilizer use intensity on cereal crops among small holders in Toke Kutaye District, West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Correctional data were collected from 156 respondents using two stage random sampling methods. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics and Double hurdle model. Result of the first hurdle reveals that out of twelve explanatory variables Sex ,Education, Off/non-farm income, Land size and Improved seed were determine positively whereas Age and Distance from nearest market determine small holders use of inorganic fertilizer negatively. The result of second stage of double hurdle model indicate that, out of twelve explanatory variables Sex, family size and Land size were positively affect extent (intensity) of inorganic fertilizer use whereas Age and Distance of household from nearest market determine use intensity negatively. Therefore, these results implied that there is a room to increase inorganic fertilizer use intensity on cereal crop productions. Hence, Farmers capacity to purchase this input beginning from lower income farmers to model farmers should be acknowledged; and should be designed the means to address those who have no ability to use inorganic fertilizer in their own farm through diverse development interventions.