Evaluating the Impact of Row Planting Technology on Teff Productivity in Kembata Zone, Central Ethiopia

Agriculture remains the backbone of Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), yet it suffers from low productivity due to the slow adoption of modern innovations. In Ethiopia, teff ( Eragrostis tef ) is a critical staple, but traditional broadcasting methods often lead to sub‐optimal yields. This study investigates the determinants and productivity impacts of row planting technology adoption among smallholder teff farmers in Kembata Zone, Central Ethiopia. Utilizing cross‐sectional data from 287 randomly selected farmers, the study employed a binary logistic regression model to identify adoption drivers and propensity score matching (PSM) to evaluate impact. Findings indicate that 40.07% of households have adopted row planting. Adoption is significantly influenced by education, family size, off‐farm activities, land size, input access, training, livestock ownership, and extension frequency, while market distance acts as a barrier. PSM results reveal that row planting significantly increases teff productivity by 6.1 quintals per hectare compared to traditional broadcasting. Transitioning from broadcasting to row planting offers a substantial pathway for enhancing food security. Policies should focus on improving extension services, rural infrastructure, and access to affordable row seeding machinery.