Agriculture is the most important for the developing countries to overcome poverty. It is from this ground the need to analyze the perception of small holder farmers towards improved maize varieties on local maize variety. Out of 19 kebeles in Kiremu district three kebeles were selected using simple random sampling. Simple random sampling was also employed to select the target households. Structured instrumental questionnaire was developed, pre-tested and used for collecting data from 189 randomly selected households. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyze data. Averagely marketability characteristics, yield characteristics, disease resistant characteristics and shattering resistant attributes of improved maize varieties were the most perceived on the local maize variety by the small holder farmers of the study area. Therefore, government and other development organization should create a favorable environment like strengthening farmers’ knowledge on modern agriculture production throughout strengthening of the extension service and giving more attention to farmers’ priorities and needs related to agriculture.

1. Perception of Farmers for Improved Maize Varieties on Local Maize Variety: The Case of Kiremu District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia
AJAERD
Perception of Farmers for Improved Maize Varieties on
Local Maize Variety: The Case of Kiremu District, Western
Oromia, Ethiopia
Alemayehu Keba Beyene
Department of Agricultural Economics, Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia, Asosa Agricultural Research
Center, Ethiopia
E-mail: alemayehukeba@gmail.com Tel: 0922333404
Agriculture is the most important for the developing countries to overcome poverty. It is from this
ground the need to analyze the perception of small holder farmers towards improved maize
varieties on local maize variety. Out of 19 kebeles in Kiremu district three kebeles were selected
using simple random sampling. Simple random sampling was also employed to select the target
households. Structured instrumental questionnaire was developed, pre-tested and used for
collecting data from 189 randomly selected households. Descriptive statistics was employed to
analyze data. Averagely marketability characteristics, yield characteristics, disease resistant
characteristics and shattering resistant attributes of improved maize varieties were the most
perceived on the local maize variety by the small holder farmers of the study area. Therefore,
government and other development organization should create a favorable environment like
strengthening farmers’ knowledge on modern agriculture production throughout strengthening
of the extension service and giving more attention to farmers’ priorities and needs related to
agriculture.
Key words: perception, improved maize varieties
INTRODUCTION
According to Jeffrey Pickens (2005), perception is the
process that organizes and interprets by our sensory in
order to give meaning about the environment. It is the set
of processes by which an individual become aware of and
interprets information about the environment. The person
interprets the stimuli into something meaningful based on
their past experiences. However, an individual interprets
or perceives may be different from reality.
Van den Ban and Hawkins (1998) defined perception is a
process by which we receive information or stimuli from
our environment and transform it into psychological
awareness. However, all innovations do not diffuse at the
same rate. Various innovations are objectively differing
and probably are perceived as being different by farmer
decision maker. Thus, perception of differences would
affect decisions to adopt or reject a particular innovation.
Therefore, farmers receive and gather stimuli that indicate
the attributes of improved maize technologies are superior
over local and traditional one or not.
Rogers (1983) has classified characteristics which may
describe an innovation and individuals’ perception, which
predict their rate of adoption. These characteristics of
innovations are: relative advantage to current tool or
procedure, compatibility with the pre-existing system,
complexity or difficulty, trial ability (testability) and
observably of its effects. These qualities interact and
judged as a whole. According to Duvel (1975) perception
is a key dimension in behavioral change process.
Perception about the relative advantage of different
attributes of high yielding maize varieties was assumed to
have positive effect on adoption of high yielding maize
varieties. Accordingly, farmers’ perception for higher yield
potential, better price, resistance to diseases, shattering
Research Article
Vol. 5(2), pp. 588-591, August, 2019. © www.premierpublishers.org, ISSN: 2167-0477
Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development

2. Perception of Farmers for Improved Maize Varieties on Local Maize Variety: The Case of Kiremu District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Beyene AK 589
resistance and lodging, short maturity and stay for long
period of high yielding wheat varieties were asked. Hence,
better perception towards those attributes was expected to
positively influence the adoption of high yielding maize
varieties and market supply Habtemariam (2004) prove
this hypothesis.
According to the Shiferaw et al.,(2009) factors related to
the characteristics and performance of the technology and
practices include food and cash generation functions of the
product, the perception by individuals of the
characteristics, complexity and performance of the
innovation, its availability and that of complementary
inputs, the relative profitability of its adoption compared to
substitute technologies, the period of recovery of
investment, local adoption patterns of the technology, the
susceptibility of the technology to environmental hazards,
etc were the criteria for select the improved agricultural
technology.
Anne et al., (2014) using a multivariate probit model on the
perception of farmers variety attributes showed that
improved varieties had desirable production and marketing
attributes while the local varieties were perceived to have
the best consumption attributes. Evidence further
indicated that the major sorghum variety attributes driving
rapid adoption are taste, drought tolerance, yield, ease of
cooking, and the variety’s ability to fetch a price premium.
Early maturity, a major focus of research was found to
have no effect on the adoption decision. (The role of
varietal attributes on adoption of improved seed varieties:
the case of sorghum in Kenya)
Farmer believed that technologies are good to farmers.
Farmers believe on technologies because they give good
efficiency in terms of high yield, less pest, and more
benefit. Technology is important in agricultural production
(Chi, and Yamada, 2002).
These farmers generally obtain very low crop yields
because the local varieties used by farmers have low
potential yield, most of the maize is grown under rain-fed
conditions and irrigation is used only in limited areas, little
or no fertilizers are used and pest control is not adequate
(Muzari et al., 2012).
Saidiaet al. (2010) found, maize growers in rural areas
have been experiencing low yields per unit area and this
has been attributed by lack of extension services, as a
result, over the years farmers have continued to use
traditional methods in producing maize leading to low
yields being realized.
Therefore, identifying the perception of small holder
farmers towards improved maize varieties on local maize
variety and to full fill the interest and preference of small
holder farmers on improved maize varieties attributes by
comparing with the local one.
The objective was to identify perception of farmers towards
improved maize varieties attributes on local maize seed in
the study area.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Description of the Study Area
The study was conducted in Kiremu district of East
Wollega zone. Kiremu district is one of the 17
administrative Woreda's in the zone. The capital town of
the district is Kiremu which is about 140 KMs far from
Nekemte Town and 458 from Addis Ababa. The total
population of the district is 91,562. 21% of the population
lives in urban and 79% in rural residents. Administratively
the district is divided in to 19 Kebeles.
Data Types, Sources of Data and methods of Data
collection
For this study both quantitative and qualitative data were
collected. This study used both primary and secondary
data. The data was collected from primary sources
generated through structured questionnaire. Secondary
data was collected from internet, through the desk review;
the study assessed the existing literature on the perception
of farmers on improved maize varieties. The data was
collected by the instrument Survey questionnaire.
Sampling procedures and Sample Size
This study implemented simple random sampling
procedures to collect the required primary data. Out of 19
kebeles in Kiremu district three kebeles were selected
using simple random sampling. Accordingly, Gudina
Jeregna consists of 1162 households, Chefe Soruma
consists of 529 household’s, Burka Soruma consists of
823 household’s, making a total of 2514 target
households.
The sample keeping the proportion to each kebeles were
selected by using Yamane (1967) sample size formula and
7 Precision Level Where Confidence Level is 95%.
n =
𝑁
1+𝑁(𝑒)2
n =
2514
1+2514 (0.07)2=189
Where: n is the sample size, N is the population size, and
e is the level of precision.
Method of Data Analysis
The study used descriptive statistics to analyze the data.
Similarly, in this study, there is a need to consider the
perceived nature of the improved maize varieties.
Therefore, farmers’ perception towards improved maize
varieties on local maize were assessed in terms of their
evaluative perceptions on their yield characteristics,
drought resistance characteristics, early maturity

3. Perception of Farmers for Improved Maize Varieties on Local Maize Variety: The Case of Kiremu District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia
J. Agric. Econ. Rural Devel. 590
characteristics, shattering resistance characteristics,
marketability characteristics, disease resistance
characteristics, and non-logging characteristics by giving
value for each characteristics out of 15 value for total
characteristics then the farmers valued each
characteristics of improved maize varieties on local maize
varieties >10 out of 15 the value of the characteristics of
improved maize varieties on local maize varieties were
categorized under highly perceived, the farmers valued
each characteristics of improved maize varieties on local
maize varieties 5-9 out of 15 the value of the
characteristics of improved maize varieties on local maize
varieties were categorized under moderately perceived,
the farmers valued each characteristics of improved maize
varieties on local maize varieties <5 out of 15the value of
the characteristics of improved maize varieties on local
maize varieties were categorized under less perceived.
This is the way by which I categorized my sampled house
hold under three scales of the evaluative comparisons of
perception. The value of the scale for the positive
statements of evaluative perception on improved maize
production were assigned 3,2,1 for highly perceived,
moderately perceived, less perceived; respectively.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
This section consists of one sub-section. This section is
description of sample households’ characteristics.
Descriptive Results
The description of status of perception of farmer for
improved maize varieties on local maize variety was
discussed consecutively. In this section of analyses
descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage and chi-
square test were employed using STATA 13 software
programs.
Descriptive Statistics for Perception of Farmers for
Improved Maize Varieties on Local Maize variety
Farmers’ perception of certain technology is the
interwoven result of technical and socio-economic factors.
Farmers’ knowledge and beliefs about the technology can
originate from different sources of information and
experiences. They consider the consequence of using the
improved maize on local one from different angles.
Technical, economic and social factors influence and/or
determine the possibility and the extent of use of the new
ideas and practices.
In order to get insight on farmers’ decisions of new
technology use, looking at their perceptions about each
attributes of a given expertise is very important. Hence,
knowledge of respondent farmers’ evaluative criteria as
regard to expertise attributes is needed. These include:
yield characteristics, drought resistance characteristics,
early maturity characteristics, shattering resistance
characteristics, marketability characteristics, disease
resistance characteristics, and non-logging
characteristics.
Accordingly, about 0%, 1.03%, 0%, 0%, 1.03%, 3.09% and
1.03% adopter respondents and about 4.35%, 10.87%,
3.26%, 30.43%, 3.26%, 5.43% and 5.43% non-adopter
respondents were perceived that the traits yield, drought
resistance, early maturity, shattering, marketability,
disease resistance, and non-logging of the improved
maize varieties are less perceived to the local ones
respectively. About 0%, 16.49%, 19.59%, 0%, 0%, 0% and
18.56% adopter respondents and about 81.52%, 86.96%,
76.09%, 47.83%, 17.39% and 94.57% non-adopter
respondents were perceived that the traits yield
characteristics, drought resistance characteristics, early
maturity characteristics, shattering resistance
characteristics, marketability characteristics, disease
resistance characteristics, and non-logging characteristics
of the improved maize varieties are the same or
moderately perceived to the local ones while 100%,
82.47%, 80.41%, 100%, 98.97%, 93.81% and 80.41
adopter respondents and about 14.13%, 13.04%, 23.91%,
21.74%, 75.00%, 77.17% and 0% non-adopter
respondents were perceived that yield characteristics,
drought resistance characteristics, early maturity
characteristics, shattering resistance characteristics,
marketability characteristics, disease resistance
characteristics, and non-logging characteristics of the
improved maize varieties are highly perceived to the local
one respectively.
Therefore, the most perceived preference attributes of
improved varieties of maize are yield characteristics,
Shattering resistance characteristics’, disease resistance
characteristics and market characteristics.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Generally, the most perceived preference attributes of
improved varieties of maize are yield characteristics,
Shattering resistance characteristics’, disease resistance
characteristics and market characteristics.
Then, farmers have their own preference criteria for
adoption among the available high yielding maize
varieties. The finding of this study suggested that farmers
in the area seek specific varietal attributes, such as yield
potential, tolerance to disease, shattering, and market
characteristics. Information about the benefits of improved
maize varieties should be important for smallholder
farmers for priorities improved maize varieties. Therefore,
the district agricultural office and extension system has to
give more attention to farmers’ priorities and needs related
to agriculture.

4. Perception of Farmers for Improved Maize Varieties on Local Maize Variety: The Case of Kiremu District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Beyene AK 591
Table 1: Perceptions of sampled house hold about improved Maize varieties on local maize variety
Adoption category
Characteristics Adopter (N=97) % Non adopter (N=92) % χ2 value
Yield charac 128.14***
Less perceived 0 0% 4 4.35%
Moderately perceived 4 4.12 % 75 81.52%
Highly perceived 93 95.88 % 13 14.13%
Drought reschar 91.46***
Less perceived 1 1.03% 10 10.87%
Moderately perceived 16 16.49% 70 86.96%
Highly perceived 80 82.47% 12 13.04%
Early mature char 61.06***
Less perceived 0 0% 3 3.26%
Moderately perceived 18 19.59% 67 76.09%
Highly perceived 79 80.41% 22 23.91%
Shattering char 108.44***
Less perceived 0 0% 28 30.43%
Moderately perceived 4 4.12% 44 47.83%
Highly perceived 93 95.88% 20 21.74%
Market char 25.30***
Less perceived 1 1.03% 3 3.26%
Moderately perceived 0 0% 20 21.74%
Highly perceived 96 98.97% 69 75.00%
Disease resistant 11.74***
Less perceived 3 3.09% 5 5.43%
Moderately perceived 3 3.09% 16 17.39%
Highly perceived 91 93.81% 71 77.17%
Logging resistant 125.96***
Less perceived 1 1.03% 5 5.43%
Moderately perceived 18 18.56% 87 94.57%
Highly perceived 78 80.41 0 0%
Source: own survey result 2019
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Accepted 5 August 2019
Citation: Beyene AK (2019). Perception of Farmers for
Improved Maize Varieties on Local Maize Variety: The
Case of Kiremu District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia.
Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development,
5(2): 588-591.
Copyright: © 2019: Beyene AK. This is an open-access
article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are cited.