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Challenges to Adoption of Improved Legume Varieties: A Gendered Perspective

Author

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  • Bezaiet Dessalegn

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Cairo P.O. Box 11711, Egypt)

  • Woinishet Asnake

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addi Ababa P.O. Box 5689, Ethiopia)

  • Abiro Tigabie

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addi Ababa P.O. Box 5689, Ethiopia)

  • Quang Bao Le

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Cairo P.O. Box 11711, Egypt)

Abstract

Limited availability and access to seeds of improved varieties are often blamed for the low adoption of legume-based rotations. In this paper, we use a case study of chickpea and lentil production in Ethiopia and a gendered lens to identify other determinants of farmers’ decisions for the adoption of improved legume varieties. Mixed methods were used to collect sex and age disaggregated data through 360 household surveys, 11 focus group discussions, and 8 key informant interviews. The analysis focused on key adoption parameters, including access to land, labor, improved seed varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, agriculture information, and credit. The main challenges identified include: differential access to timely and adequate seeds of improved varieties, quality fertilizers, and pesticides; availability of credit at an affordable interest rate; and equitable access to information. As compared to men, we found women’s access to these resources to be low and women’s cost production to be relatively high. Farmland remains a main constraint for the youth. Farmers responded to the challenges by recycling seeds and mono-cropping lentils, despite declining soil and crop productivity, and increased occurrence of pests and diseases. In the case of chickpea, we found that cultural norms also discouraged the adoption of the improved variety.

Suggested Citation

  • Bezaiet Dessalegn & Woinishet Asnake & Abiro Tigabie & Quang Bao Le, 2022. "Challenges to Adoption of Improved Legume Varieties: A Gendered Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2150-:d:748789
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    1. Mutonga Kaleyi & Themba Mapulanga & Palicha Halwiindi & Request C. Mweetwa, 2025. "Small Scale Farmers’ Legume Production in Nangoma Agriculture Camp Area: Challenges, Local Solutions and Opportunities for Scaling Up," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(6), pages 2353-2369, June.
    2. Zeeshan Ahmed & Dongwei Gui & Ghulam Murtaza & Liu Yunfei, 2025. "From scarcity to sustainability: agriculture intensification for food security and climate resilience in drylands," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 30(8), pages 1-64, December.
    3. Oburu, Susan Atieno & Otieno, David Jakinda & Chimoita, Evans & Ojiem, John, 2023. "Factors influencing integration of grain legumes in smallholder farms: A gendered analysis in Nandi County, Western Kenya," 2023 Seventh AAAE/60th AEASA Conference, September 18-21, 2023, Durban, South Africa 365960, African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).

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