Adoption of Lime Technology and Its Determinants: A Case Study in East Gojjam Zone, Debre Elias District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, but its productivity is significantly constrained by soil acidity, a major challenge undermining crop yields. Scholars and development practitioners have explored various approaches to counteract this problem, with lime application emerging as one of the most effective methods for improving soil quality, strengthening food security, and reducing poverty. Nevertheless, the actual use of lime technology among farmers has remained limited. This research investigates the factors that shape both the decision to adopt and the extent of lime use among farmers in Debre Elias District, Amhara Region. Data were gathered from 366 households through a multistage sampling process covering three kebeles, drawing on both primary and secondary sources. The analysis employed descriptive statistics—such as percentages, averages, and standard deviations—alongside inferential tools including independent T ‐tests and Chi‐square tests. Furthermore, a double‐hurdle model was applied to assess the determinants influencing the intensity of lime adoption. Results from the probit model show that larger farm size (8%), access to training (21%), secure land tenure (12.4%), and extension services (23.3%) significantly increase the likelihood of lime adoption ( p   < 0.05). Of the 366 sampled households, 134 (36.6%) adopted lime, while 232 (63.4%) did not. Greater distance to input markets reduced participation probability by 0.07%. Findings from the truncated model indicate that older household heads applied on average 15.81 kg/ha more lime, while households with higher livestock ownership applied 30.8 kg/ha more lime ( p   < 0.01). Conversely, larger farm size, reliance on extension services, and bigger household size (HH SIZ) were negatively associated with adoption intensity. To strengthen uptake of soil acidity management practices, the study recommends tailored farmer training, enhanced technical support, and opportunities for knowledge exchange between adopters and nonadopters. Tackling barriers to lime adoption is essential for expanding its use and may contribute to improved soil management and agricultural productivity in Ethiopia.