Our Study Identifies Key Factores Shaping State-Wise Forage Adoption in Ethiopian Highlands

Land degradation poses a serious threat to land productivity and environmental quality in the Ethiopian highlands, yet the voluntary adoption of sustainable land management practices remains uneven. This study examined 202 smallholder households in an erosion-prone area and analyzed how spatial, informational, and psychological factors influence stage-wise progression in forage adoption, classified into five stages from awareness to sustained use. 

The results indicate that neighboring farmers' adoption stages are most strongly associated with adoption-stage progression, while farmers' attitudes and perceived behavioral control also play important roles. Access to mobile phones and radio further supports progression, particularly in the transition from decision to implementation.

These findings underscore the importance of stage-specific extension strategies and spatially targeted support that take local diffusion processes into account. 
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