Exploring key drivers affecting ginger farmers risk management strategies and adoption intensity in central and southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This research explores the key drivers influencing risk management strategies and adoption intensity among ginger farmers in lowland central and southern Ethiopia, addressing a gap in studies on risk management in less developed nations. Primary data were collected from 403 households using a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics summarized farmers’ perceptions, while multivariate probit and Poisson regression models identified key drivers affecting their strategies and adoption intensity. The study found that off-farm work participation, on-farm diversification, crop rotation, land management practices, remittances, credit access, and cooperative membership were common risk management strategies. Farmers had a perception index score of 4.196, indicating awareness of various risks (climate, production, market, and financial). Key drivers affecting these strategies included age, education, family size, farming experience, ginger farm size, land size, market distance, development agent visits, training, weather prediction, and risk perceptions. Adoption intensity varied with age, education, farming experience, ginger farm size, market distance, development agent visits, training, weather prediction, and risk perceptions. The findings support the Protection Motivation Theory by demonstrating how risk perceptions impact farmers’ strategies. Policymakers and development practitioners should consider these perceptions and significant variables when designing interventions and support programs to effectively mitigate agricultural risks.