Promotion of improved faba bean technologies through community based seed multipliers in Bale zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This scaling up/out activity was initiated with the main objective of popularizing and disseminating proven faba bean technologies as well as to serve as a break crop for malt barley production. Dinsho and Goba districts of Bale zone were selected purposively based on their potential for faba bean production. A total of 50qt Walki and 135qt Gabalcho were distributed to 274 farmers and planted on 103ha in 2016 and 2017 cropping season. The spacing of 40cm between rows with the recommended seed rate of 180 kg/ha and fertilizer rate 100 kg NPS was applied during row planting time. Training was given to more than 800 hundred farmers and other stakeholders on faba bean production and management packages. Field days and field visits were organized to evaluate the performance and to communicate on field progress of the varieties. A total of 466 individuals were participated on these promotional events during the project period. Yield data was recorded and analyzed using mean while farmers’ feedback about the technology was assessed and interpreted using qualitative narration. The result of descriptive statics revealed that the overall mean yield of Walki and Gabalcho were 36 and 33qt ha^-1 respectively. All participant farmers were interested with the stands of the two varieties in terms of pods per plant, seeds per pod, seeds per plant, stem strength, good plant height, disease tolerance, relative yield advantage and seed size. The gross income/benefit obtained as a result of using the improved varieties of faba bean (Walki and Gabalcho) was 64,800.00 ETB and 59,400.00 ETB per hectare, respectively. But, the gross marginal profit was 45,830.00 ETB and 40,430.00 ETB for Walki and Gabalcho, respectively. Since, the varieties widely accepted by the target community (especially Walki on Vertisol), the Agricultural and Natural Resource office in all levels in collaboration with other stakeholders should focus on the extension and popularization of the varieties with the recommended full packages.