Factors Associated With the Adoption of Value‐Addition Innovations in Ethiopia: Application of Diffusion of Innovations Theory

In Ethiopia, the adoption rate of agricultural technology is low and is limited by many factors. Understanding the factors influencing the adoption of agricultural technology is crucial in planning and implementing technologies that could enhance productivity. This study aimed to identify the main factors associated with the adoption process of value‐addition innovations using a cross‐sectional survey design. Data were collected from 614 beneficiaries, proportionally selected from four pilot innovation project sites, using an interview schedule. Data were analyzed using the Chi‐square test, the independent‐samples t ‐test, and a binary logistic regression model. The findings showed that continued adoption of the value‐addition innovations after project completion was moderate (63.5%). Factors positively associated with the adoption process (the interplay of innovation–diffusion, adoption–perception, and economic constraints theories) included educational status, technical support, credit, training, farmers’ field schools, attitude, and information. In contrast, age and nonfarm income were negatively associated with adoption. The findings show that context‐specific factors should be considered when disseminating innovation technologies. We recommend that, to support continued adoption of value‐addition technologies after project closeout, the project implementation period include contextualized advanced training, sufficient information, practical demonstration sessions, financial support, and continuous technical support.