Climate smart agriculture adoption by smallholder farmers and its determinant factors in Silte Zone: the case of Sankura Woreda, central south Ethiopia

Abstract Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is one of the important interventions to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change and is arguably the most practical and sustainable one. It offers three benefits: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and raising agricultural production and income sustainably. However, the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices is far below expectations. Thus, this study tried to answer why some farmers practice it while others not. The study followed a multi stage sampling procedure to select 141 households (60 non adopters and 81 adopters) in three kebeles (sub districts). Household survey questionnaire, group discussions, key informants, and field observationwere employed to collect data. A logistic regression model was employed to identify key factors influencing the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices. The data analysis included descriptive, inferential statistics, Mann Kendalll and binary logistic models. The result from binary logit analysis showed that family size, tropical livestock unit (TLU), income generating off farm activities were positively correlated and significant at 1%, education level and access to extension service were positively correlated and significant at 5% and sex of HH, land size, and access to credit services were significant but weak association. Therefore, the findings of the promising demographic, socio economic, and institutional factors should be given emphasis to capitalize on by the Woreda Agriculture and natural resource development office and other concerned bodies to enhance farmers’ adoption potentials of the study area. It is recommended that the Government and nongovernment organizations should assist farmers to increase awareness and participation in CSA practices.