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Abstract
This paper analyzes the adoption and impacts of improved maize varieties (IMVs) on food security
in Ethiopia. Survey data collected in 2011 from 2455 sample households in 39 districts was used in
the analysis. Endogenous switching regression model supported by binary and generalized
propensity score matching methods was used to empirically assess the impact of IMV adoption on
per-capita food consumption expenditure and perceived household food security status. Results
show that education of household head, farm size, social network, and better agro-ecologic
potential for maize production are the major determinants of household decisions to adopt IMVs. In
addition, the average per-capita food consumption is high for adopters and the impact of IMV
adoption on per-capita food consumption is slightly higher for non-adopters had they adopted
IMVs. Thus, policies and development strategies encouraging further adoption of IMVs could
enhance food security of smallholder farmers in maize-based systems.