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Purpose: Based on the Memorandum of understanding signed between the researcher and ISSD –MU, the main
purpose of this study was to find out the extent to which farmers in the specified study area demonstrate
entrepreneurial orientation (degree of innovativeness) and examine the determinants of farmers’ innovativeness.
Methodology: The units of analysis of this study are members Hryti Mekan seed producers’ cooperative in
Enda-Mekoni Woreda, southern zone of Tigay. In this study, farmers’ innovativeness was treated as continuous
dependent variables. Five point Likert scale was used to capture the innovativeness. Twelve variables,
categorized under four major groups: demographic and personal variables, socio cultural variables, wealth
related variables and infrastructure; were considered as variables to explain the dependent variable. Primary data
was collected from 49 (83 percent of the sample frame) members of the Mekan Seed Producers using structured
questionnaire, and interview as well as discussions with key informants. In order to analyze the quantitative data,
the researcher applied such descriptive statistics as percentages, ratios, mean standard deviations, tables as well
as statistical difference tests. It also used correlation and regression analysis for the purpose of substantiating the
descriptive data analysis and examined the factors that influence the innovativeness of the members.Results:
The results of econometric analysis show that positive attitude towards agriculture, engagement in production of
improved seed, extension services provided by DAs, experts from ISSD, research institutions, and Woreda level
agricultural offices have significant positive effect to enhance the innovativeness of farmers. On the other hand
while mass-media exposure, total years of experience in traditional farming, inadequacy and cost of inputs are
negatively associated with innovativeness of farmers. On the other hand, participation in capacity building
events (e.g. trainings, visits to demonstration sites, experience sharing visits, workshops), participation in nonfarm activities, level of formal education, financial position and access to credit have no any significant effect on
innovation.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, farmers’ Improved Seed Producers’ Cooperatives, Innovativeness,
Introduction
In Ethiopia agricultural sector employs 83% of the labor force, contributes about 90% of the export and 41% of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and provides about 70% of the county’s raw material requirement for large and
medium scale industries (MoFED, 2011). 13 million smallholder farmers account for 95 percent of total
production (Dawit Alemu, 2012).
Seed is a key input for Improving crop production and productivity. Seed is one of the most
economical and efficient inputs to agricultural development (FAO, 2006). In Ethiopia, a country with agrarian
based economy, production and proper distribution of improved technologies and seed are critical prerequisite
for agricultural development. However, despite the release of several technologies, particularly of improved crop
varieties, there has been limited use of improved seeds by the majority of farmers (CSA, 2010). Among others,
unavailability of quality seed at the right place, time, price coupled with poor promotion system are some of the
key factors contributing for the limited use of improved seeds, which in turn results into low productivity of the
agriculture sector (Abebe & Lijalem, no date).
Since its establishment as first public and formal seed sector, the Ethiopian Seed Enterprises (ESE) has
remained the sole producer and supplier of improved seeds for over three decades. However, seed supplied by
the enterprise remained far behind the demand in those years, regardless of its better capacity. According to
Majira et al, (2008) the average yearly supply of improved seed did not exceed 20, 000 tons since the
establishment of ESE though the demand was 400,000 tons.
In order to curb such problem, there are different initiatives promoted by the public and donor
communities in creating strong integrated seed sector in the country. Among the most important initiatives
include promotion of the participation of private sector and licensing of public varieties. Farmer organizations
involving in seed sector such as unions and cooperatives can also play key roles in multiplication and
distributions of different classes of seeds and other farm inputs.
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