Impact of Adoption of Climate-smart Practices on Horticulture Yield: Lessons from Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Approach in Ethiopia

Climate–smart practices in agriculture have been widely implemented to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Despite the growing literature on this topic, less attention has been given to evaluating their effects on horticulture yield. This study investigates the effects of adopting climate–smart horticulture (CSH) practices on horticultural yield in Jimma, Ethiopia, within the framework of the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach. Primary data were collected from 409 smallholder horticulture farmers in the Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Quantile regression and Inverse probability weighting regression adjustment (IPWRA) were used to estimate the heterogeneous effects of SHEP and adoption of CSH practices on aggregate weighted horticulture yield. The results show that adopting CSH practices increases yield by 43% among adopters. Moreover, through adopting disease–resistant varieties, the SHEP intervention positively affects yield across all quantiles. Therefore, the study underscores the need to scale up context–specific CSH practices alongside a market–oriented extension program. Strengthening farm demonstration programs and enhancing access to agricultural cooperatives can further support smallholder farmers in improving horticulture yield.