Bachelor of Science
URI for this collectionhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/987654321/112
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Item DETERMINANTS OF FARMER’S WILLINGNESSTOPARTICIPATE IN SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICESINCASE OF JELDU WOREDA,AMBO , OROMIA , ETHIOPIA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) Mokonin GutemaThis study in Jeldu Woreda, Ethiopia, analyzed factors influencing farmers’ adoption of soil conservation practices using mixed methods and logistic regression on datafrom 90 households, finding that higher education levels (OR=11.63) and secure land tenure (OR=1.12) significantly increased participation, while greater farmingexperience (OR=0.28) and older age (marginally, OR=0.54) reduced engagement, suggesting generational and innovation-adoption divides. Institutional weaknesses were evident, with limited access to extension services (38%), credit (45%), andconservation information (58%), despite 57% participation rates and widespreadreports of severe soil erosion (60%). Contrasting with regional studies, the findings emphasize context-specific drivers, prompting recommendations for land certification, adult literacy programs, and youth-focused extension services, though small samplesize and model instability warrant caution. The research highlights actionablepathways for sustainable land management in high-degradation settings while callingfor deeper exploration of tenure-gender-resource interactions to refine conservationstrategies.Item Determinants of Barely productivity in case of shashogo woreda, Hadiyya zone, centeral Ethiopia.(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) Muzemil FeyissaBarley is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia, contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. However, its productivity remains low due to various socioeconomic, institutional, and agronomic factors. This study examines the determinants of barley productivity in Shashogo Woreda, Hadiyya Zone, Central Ethiopia, using a multiple linear regression model. A sample of 100 barley-producing households was selected through stratified random sampling across three kebeles. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric modeling. The results indicate that land size, fertilizer use, credit access, education level, and agricultural extension services have a positive and significant impact on barley productivity. Conversely, the age of the household head and distance to farmland negatively influence yield, while livestock ownership and non-farm income were found to be statistically insignificant. The model's R² value of 0.78 suggests that 78% of the variation in barley productivity is explained by the included variables, with an Fstatistic of 19.82 (p = 0.000) confirming the overall significance of the model. The findings emphasize the need for policies that promote access to agricultural inputs, credit facilities, and extension services while addressing challenges related to land accessibility and modern farming adoption among older farmers. Strengthening rural infrastructure and enhancing farmer education are also recommended to improve productivity.Item ANALAYZING OF VEGETABLE MARKETING SUPPLY AT THE SHASHOGODISRICTS, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) Mihreteab TesfayeThe study was initiated with the objective of investigating and analyzing the vegetable marketingsupply in Shashogo district, Hadiya Zone in Central Ethiopia Regional State. Specifically the studyattempts to investigate the marketing supply of vegetables, to discover the major factors of market supply of vegetable in Shashogo district and to investigate problems and opportunities in vegetablemarketing in the study area. Descriptive analysis was employed to present result of the availablemarketing channels, to present the party who get the largest margin and to present the opportunitiesand challenges discovered by the study. Multiple linear regression models were employed to identifythe factors that determine the market supply of vegetable separately. Producers, brokers, local collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers were found the main actors of the vegetable marketingchannel in the study area. Similarly, the most important channel for vegetable in terms of volumewasidentified that starts with the producer and ends with the consumer including retailer as the onlyintermediary. Regarding share of margins, retailers were identified as the parties who take the largest both in vegetable markets channels. Retailer stake 30.3 percent of the final consumer price inthevegetable markets as and they take 54.16 percent of the final consumer price in vegetable market astheir new market model. The factors which determine market supply of vegetable were identifiedaseducation level of the household head, access to market, access to market information and price. For, the factors which determine its market supply were identified as education level of the household, experience and price. The major opportunities of vegetable marketing in the area were access toadequate human and natural resources, growing demand of vegetables and growing productionandmarketing experience of the farmers whereas, the major constraints were identified as poorinfrastructure, absence of agro-processing plant and lower access to market information. The studyfinally recommended the regional government to consider the production capacity of the areaandsolve marketing problems they face by mechanisms like initiating the federal government to plantingagro-processing industries and creating sustainable and shorter marketing channels in order toincrease and ensure the profitability of the vegetable producing households in Shashogo district.Item DETERMINANT OF COMMERCIALIZATION OF TEFFFORSMALLHOLDER HOUSEHOLD IN THE CASE OF KINDOKOYSHADISTRICT WOLAITA ZONE SOUTH ETHIOPIA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-06)The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the determinants of tef commercializationinkindo koysha district. It is widely accepted that tef commercialization is one of the objectiveof farmers to fulfill their family basic needs. Having recognized this, the proposal has conductedthis study by focusing on the tef commercialization and the influencing factors. To this end, datawill be collected from primary sources. 94 individuals were randomly selected in proportionto the membership size of the tef commercialization. The data were collected throughquestionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and econometric analysis were employed for analytical purpose. The result shows that from the total respondents,32.98 %were female whocommercialize tef while 67.02 %, were male tef commercializes. In the regression analysis, variables like sex of house hold head ,distance to nearest market, family size ,intensityof fertilizer, farm experiences, and land size were found to have significant relationshiptothecommercialization of tef . Among these significant variables sex of household head, intensityof fertilizer ,and farm experience, total cultivated land size have positive relationshipwhiledistance to nearest market, and family size have negative relationship withtef commercialization. Based on the result, responsible producers need to give due attentiontoovercome strengthen, build their capacities mainly in tef commercializing and decisionmakingthat ultimately could increase their production of tefItem DETERMINANTS THAT AFFECT AGRICULTURAL INPUT LOAN REPAYMENT IN CASE OF CHEHA WOREDA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) MEKUANINT ALAMNIEAgricultural input loan is the most important source of income for small farmers to purchase agricultural input and bring changes in the economic development of farmers. Even though, the loan should be repaid according to agreement reached between borrower and lender, but the farmers’ did not repay the loan on time. This study tries to identify determinants that affect agricultural input loan repayment of farmers in Cheha Woreda. Therefore, the major concern of the study was on identifying the major socio- economic and institutional factors that affect the loan repayment capacity of farmers in the Cheha Woreda. In this study, both primary and secondary data collected. Primary data collected by structured questionnaire from the sample of 100 household by multi stage sampling technique and secondary data collected from concerned organization in the study area. Analysis of the study conducted by descriptive statistics and econometrics models. Logistic regression results shows that variable such as education level, farm size and family size, are positively and significantly affects loan repayment of farmers, while, sex, age and distance from microfinance are significantly affects loan repayment of farmers negatively. Depending up on the analysis of the study,the recommendation were to improve agricultural input loan repayment in Cheha Woreda, it is essential to enhance education and training for farmers, ensuring they effectively utilize loans. Establishing microfinance institutions closer to communities should reduce logistical barriers. Additionally, creating farmer cooperatives can help stabilize prices and improve access to resourcesItem ON FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF SMALL BUSINESS,IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA REGION IN WOLAITA ZONE SODO ZURIA WOREDA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) MEBRATU LASEBOThis study was conducted to examine the factors influencing the performance of small businesses in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 82 small business operators, selected using simple random sampling from two kebeles (Shola Kodo and Tome Gerera). Additionally, key informant interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies) summarized the characteristics of respondents, while multiple linear regression analysis identified significant factors affecting business performance. The study revealed that access to finance, managerial skills, education level, working premises, and access to business development services significantly influenced small business performance. Notably, age showed a negative correlation with business success, while gender was found to be statistically insignificant. The findings indicate that inadequate access to capital, poor infrastructure, and limited managerial capacity remain critical challenges. Based on these results, the study recommends that financial institutions develop tailored loan products for small businesses, local governments improve infrastructure development, and business support organizations enhance training programs in essential managerial skills. These interventions could significantly improve the performance and sustainability of small businesses in the study area, contributing to local economic development and poverty reduction.Item SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON COFFE MARKET SUPPLYCHAINANAYLSIS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN CASE OF GIDAAYANADISTRICT EAST WOLLEGA ZONE, OROMIA RIGION, ETHIOPIA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) KENENISA WAYESSAThis study analyzes the cof ee market supply chain of smallholder farmers in GidaAyanaDistrict, Cof ee production is of immense importance to Ethiopia’s economy, makingupalarge portion of GDP, employment and foreign exchange earnings. Smallholder farmers whoaccount for the majority of production have to deal with systemic issues like pricefluctuations, inadequate infrastructure, climate change and a lack of access to credit andmarkets. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study integrates primarydatafrom surveys of 91 farmers and 24 traders with secondary data to map key actors, assesssupply chain dynamics, and identify determinants of market supply. The analysis was doneusing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models. The results showthat thequantity of cof ee produced, education level, cooperative membership, and access tocredit have positive ef ects on their overall market supply, while distance to markets has aninverserelationship with market participation. A few of the main threats to cof ee productionaretheincreased prevalence of cof ee diseases, climate variability, and lack of administrativeortechnical support for farmers. The opportunity is in the expanding private trader network, , and Ethiopia’s reputation for quality Arabica cof ee. This study calls for policy interventionsto enhance financial services, infrastructure and cooperative governance. Improvingmarket linkages, adopting sustainable practices and capitalizing on Ethiopia’s genetic cof eediversity will be essential to increase smallholder incomes and global competitiveness. Theseinterventions seek to remedy supply chain inef iciencies to pave the way for long-termeconomic growth and increased resilience of livelihoods of actors in Ethiopia’s cof ee sector.Item SENIOR RESEARCH ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF TEFF PRODUCTION IN SILTI DISTRICT ,SILTE ZONE,CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGIONAL STATE(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) JEMAL SHEMSUTeff is one of the dominant crops and its productivity is low in the study area. This means that it is possible to obtained additional output from existing inputs used, if resource are properly used and efficiently allocated. The aim of this study was to determine the level of technical efficiency of smallholder teff producers and identify factors affecting technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in teff production of Silti district, Silte Zone, Ethiopia. A three stage sampling technique was employed to select 80 sample farmers who were interviewed using a structured schedule to obtain data pertaining to teff production during 2016/2017E.C production year. A Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production analysis approach with the inefficiency effect model was used to estimate technical efficiency and identify the determinants of efficiency of teff producing farmers. The maximum likelihood parameter estimates showed that teff output was positively and significantly influenced by seed, labor and number of oxen. This would mean that there is a room to increase teff output from the existing level if farmers are able to use these input variables in an efficient manner. The result further revealed that there were significant differences in technical efficiency among teff producers in the study area.Level of technical efficiency of teff producers mean,min and max are 0.68 ,0.37 and 1 respectively. The estimated stochastic production frontier model together with the inefficiency parameters showed that, extension contact, total number of livestock and credit were found to have negative and significant effect on technical inefficiency while household size was found to have positive and significant effect on technical inefficiency of teff production. Hence, local government should provide necessary supports such as formal as well as informal credit, extension contact and timely seedItem MARKET CHAIN ANALYSIS OF POTATO: INTHECASEOFDAMBOYA DISTRICT, KEMBATA ZONE ,CENTERALETHIOPIA.(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) IKIRAM DINKINEHThis study analyzes the potato market chain in Damboya District, Kembata Zone, Centra Ethiopia, with the objectives of identifying key actors and linkages within the chain and examining factors influencing potato supply. Despite the crop’s critical role in local livelihoods, the market chain remains fragmented, characterized by inef anciencies suchasweak infrastructure, limited market access, and information gaps that hinder smallholderparticipation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating primary data from91producers and 20 traders with secondary sources to assess socio-economic dynamics, andmarket structures. Results reveal a multi-layered market system dominated by intermediaries, with the Producer → Wholesaler → Retailer → Consumer channel emerging as the most prominent pathway. Key determinants of supply include land availability, proximity tomarkets, and engagement with extension services, while gender disparities in resource access further influence market participation. The study highlights the importance of addressingsystemic barriers to enhance market functionality and equity. By elucidating the interplay of socio-economic and institutional factors, it contributes to broader discussions on agriculturalmarket development in resource-constrained settings. The findings provide a foundation for future interventions aimed at improving market linkages and supporting smallholderresilience in Ethiopia’s potato sectorItem SENIOR RESEARCH REPORT ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE CULTURE OF SAVING HABIT IN WOLKITE TOWN(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) Y HiwotMargetaThis study examines the factors influencing the culture of saving habits among households in Wolkite Town, Ethiopia. Saving is a critical component of economic development, yet many households in developing countries, including Ethiopia, struggle to cultivate robust saving behaviors. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive and econometric analyses, to identify the socio-economic and demographic determinants of saving habits. Primary data were collected from 98 households using a structured questionnaire, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that from 9 independent variables four variables which are financial literacy, income level, marital status, and expenditure patterns significantly influence saving behaviors. Financial literacy emerged as a strong positive predictor of saving, with higher levels of financial knowledge associated with increased savings. Income level also had a significant positive impact, highlighting the importance of income-generating opportunities in fostering saving habits. Conversely, higher expenditure patterns were negatively correlated with savings, indicating that consumption behaviors limit disposable income available for saving. The study concludes that targeted interventions, such as financial literacy programs, income enhancement initiatives, and tailored saving products, are essential to promote a culture of saving in Wolkite Town. Policymakers and financial institutions are encouraged to design strategies that address the identified barriers and leverage the positive determinants to improve household saving behaviors.