Farmer’s adoption of indigenous knowledge-based off-farm and non-farm livelihoods and its determinants in Takusa Woreda, North-Western Ethiopia

Adoption of indigenous knowledge has a significant role in supporting the agricultural production system and diversification of off-farm and nonfarm livelihood activities. However, most studies focused on indigenous farming livelihoods and there is a knowledge gap in the literature and was not studied in the study area. Therefore, this study has assessed determinants of farmers’ adoption of indigenous knowledge-based off-farm and non-farm livelihoods in Takusa woreda, Northwestern Ethiopia. Both quantitative and narrative qualitative data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Data were collected by using Questionnaire, key informants, focus group discussions, and other secondary sources. The study employed multistage sampling techniques. The descriptive results showed that about 17.68, 19.82, and 18.6% have adopted indigenous knowledge-based off-farm, non-farm, and both off-farm and non-farm livelihood activities respectively. Depending on their indigenous knowledge practices, farmers practiced indigenous knowledge-based off-farm and non-farm livelihood activities. Moreover, the logit model result shows that access to extension contact, having more educational level, and near to the market distance are negatively correlated. Also, more dependency ratio, more livestock ownership (TLU), and practicing livelihood diversification strategies are positively correlated. Therefore, determinants of adoption of indigenous knowledge-based off-farm and non-farm livelihoods needs attention by programs for additional livelihoods.Indigenous knowledge is culture-constructed knowledge that is explicit to certain groups of people. In Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, there are ample indigenous knowledge practices that are used for practicing alternative livelihoods in addition to crop and livestock production. Indigenous knowledge played an indispensable role in improving socioeconomic conditions through the diversification of indigenous-based off-farm and nonfarm livelihood activities. Therefore, this study is relevant for promoting existing indigenous knowledge practices through the investigated results on the adoption of indigenous knowledge-based off-farm and non-farm livelihoods, and their determinants. Based on the results of this study, the adoption level varies depending on the indigenous knowledge level within a community. Likewise, different socio-economic, institutional, and environmental factors have determined the farmers adoption of indigenous knowledge-based livelihoods. Therefore, indigenous knowledge requires policy attention for diversifying livelihood options.