The impact of improved rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties adoption on household food security in North-Western Ethiopia
Abstract
Improving agricultural productivity through the adoption of improved crop varieties is a key strategy for enhancing household food security in developing countries. This study evaluated the impact of adopting improved rice varieties on household food security in Pawe District, north-western Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using data collected from 374 farm households, comprising 187 adopters and 187 non-adopters of improved rice varieties. An Endogenous Switching Regression model was employed to account for both observable and unobservable selection biases associated with farmers’ adoption decisions. The results revealed that farmers’ education level, access to extension services, participation in training, proximity to extension centers, and market accessibility significantly influenced the likelihood of adopting improved rice varieties. The ESRM estimates further demonstrated that adoption had a positive and statistically significant effect on household food security, measured by food consumption expenditure per adult equivalent. The estimated Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) indicated that adopters achieved approximately 13% higher food consumption expenditure compared with the counterfactual outcome of non-adoption. Similarly, the Average Treatment Effect on the Untreated (ATU) showed that non-adopters could increase their food consumption expenditure by about 65% if they adopted improved rice varieties. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening agricultural extension systems, expanding farmer training programs, improving market access, and promoting the wider dissemination of improved rice technologies. The study concludes that the adoption of improved rice varieties plays a significant role in improving household food security and enhancing rural livelihoods in north-western Ethiopia.
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