Determinants of Wheat productivity In Ethiopia: The case of Raya Kobo Woreda, Amhara region

Wheat is a staple crop with significant economic and food security implications in Ethiopia. This study investigates the determinants of wheat productivity in Raya Kobo Woreda, Amhara region, Ethiopia, focusing on factors such as farmland size, improved seed usage, fertilizer application, ploughing methods, and farmers' experience. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design, collecting primary data from 91 wheat-producing farmers across three kebeles. Farmers in the selected kebeles from Raya Kobo woreda produce 10.5 quintal of wheat on average. The average wheat productivity in the selected kebeles was 29.9 q/ha, with a range of 6–40 q/ha. The findings reveal that farmland size, improved seeds, urea fertilizer, modern ploughing methods, and farming experience significantly enhance wheat productivity, collectively explaining 93% of the variability in yields. Farmland size has the most substantial impact, with a one-hectare increase associated with an 11.8 quintal rise in yield. Improved seeds and urea fertilizer also show strong positive effects, emphasizing the importance of quality inputs. Modern ploughing methods, particularly tractor use, outperform traditional ox-ploughing, while farmers' experience further enhances productivity. However, family size, distance to farmland, and off-farm income showed no significant impact. The study recommends improving access to high-yield inputs, promoting mechanization, and supporting sustainable land management to boost productivity and address food security challenges in the region.