Methodological Evaluation of Smallholder Farm Systems in Ethiopia Using Quasi-Experimental Design for Cost-Effectiveness Measurement

Smallholder farming systems in Ethiopia face challenges related to productivity and sustainability. A quasi-experimental study was conducted using data from 100 randomly selected farms across Ethiopia. Farms were divided into three groups: Group A implemented new irrigation techniques, Group B received training in soil conservation, and Group C served as the control group. Group A demonstrated a significant increase of 25% in crop yield compared to the control group (Group C), with an average cost-effectiveness ratio of $40 per unit of increased yield. Group B showed no statistically significant change in yields but had lower costs associated with soil conservation measures. The quasi-experimental design proved effective for measuring cost-effectiveness, and the application of new irrigation techniques was found to be more financially beneficial than training alone. Encourage further research on scalability and replication of these findings in other regions of Ethiopia. smallholder farming, Ethiopia, cost-effectiveness, quasi-experimental design The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.