Though organized way of extension of improved dairy practices has been undertaking since 1950s in Ethiopia, the majority of the farmers are still practicing traditional dairy management. This study was carried out to find out the factors influencing technology adoption in dairy production. To achieve the objective of the study, cross sectional survey was employed using 150 farmers. A random sampling technique was employed to identify the sample respondents. Holistically, to capture all the relevant information, mixed methods such as focus group discussion, key informant interview, survey and observation were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression and ranking. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that age, education level of household head, farm experience, and livestock holding size, frequency of extension contact, availability of improved dairy practices and training were found to be positively and significantly influencing the adoption of improved dairy practices. The main reasons for non-adoption of improved dairy practices were shortage of animal feed, inadequate improved dairy practices, cost of improved dairy practices, and shortage of farm land and attention of extension services only to model farmers living at accessible areas. The study evidently indicated the need for the extension organization to revise the existing implementation scheme of extension works at field level; enhancing integrated action of multi-actors; capacitating farmers; creating ready market; developing need based and affordable improved dairy practices and promoting farmer-to-farmer extension for sustainable dairy development.

Keyword: Adoption; Dairy extension; Improved dairy practices; Multi-actors