Adoption Dynamics of Drought-Resistant Rice Varieties Among Northern Ethiopian Farmers: An Ethnographic Assessment over Five Years

Drought-resistant rice varieties have been introduced to address food security challenges in northern Ethiopia's arid regions. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with farmers in selected villages. Farmers adopted the varieties at varying rates, influenced by factors such as climate resilience, farmer knowledge, and access to extension services. A notable theme emerged regarding the perceived benefits of reduced water usage and increased yield stability. The study highlights the importance of context-specific interventions for effective adoption of drought-resistant rice varieties in Ethiopian agriculture. Policy makers should prioritise capacity building for farmers, enhance access to extension services, and implement targeted climate-resilience programmes.