Participatory demonstration and evaluation of improved chickpea technologies in the mid altitude areas of Bale zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Authors

  • Amare Biftu Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI), Sinana Agricultural Research Center (SARC), P.O. Box-208, BaleRobe, Ethiopia
  • Ayalew Sida Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI), Sinana Agricultural Research Center (SARC), P.O. Box-208, BaleRobe, Ethiopia
  • Bayata Gaddisa Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI), Sinana Agricultural Research Center (SARC), P.O. Box-208, BaleRobe, Ethiopia

Keywords:

Demonstration, Chickpea, Farmers’ preference, Selection criteria, Kabuli type, Habru, Desi type, Dimtu

Abstract

This activity was conducted during 2017 cropping season in mid altitude areas of Bale zone, with the objectives of demonstrating and evaluating the recently released chickpea varieties (both Kabuli and Desi type) with full recommended production and management packages to the farming community, to create awareness as well as demand on improved chickpea technologies and to enable farmers to select the best performing variety/ies in Goro and Ginnir districts. Dhera, Hora and Habru (Kabuli type) and Dimtu, Teketay and Natoli (Desi type) chickpea varieties were planted at two kebeles of each district. The demonstration was undertaken on single plot design of 10m x 10m area for each variety with the spacing of 30cm between rows, the recommended seed rate (120kg/ha for Kabuli type and 80kg/ha for Desi type) and 121 kg/ha NPS fertilizer rate. Mini-field day was organized at each kebele/site on which different stakeholders were participated, participatory evaluation of the varieties was made and experiences were shared among participants. Yield data per plot was recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics. Farmers’ preferences for the improved chickpea varieties were identified using focused group discussion and summarized using pair wise and simple ranking methods. For Kabuli type, the mean yield of Habru variety (standard check) was 25.5qt/ha and 26.1qt/ha at Goro and Ginnir districts, respectively. It was more yielder than the recently released varieties, Dhera and Hora. The one way ANOVA with no blocking result showed that branches per plant, pods per plant and mean yield were significant among the kabuli type varieties. For Desi type, the mean yield of Dimtu variety was 24.7qt/ha and 25.8qt/ha and had 15.42% and 19.44% yield advantage over the check (Natoli) at Goro and Ginnir districts, respectively. Participant farmers were enhanced to set their own selection criteria and the most important were branches per plant, branches with full of pods, pods per plant, seed per plant, seed size, seed colour, well adapted to the environment, disease free and has uniformity. Thus, Habru variety (Kabuli type) and Dimtu variety (Desi type) were validated with farmers and recommended for further scaling up/out activity in all demonstration sites and similar agro-ecologies.

References

Abera, D., 2004. In proceeding of work shop on farmer research group: Concepts and Practices.

Adamu, Z., 2018. Farming system characterization in Bale zone. Surv. Rep., Unpublished.

Bale Zone Agriculture and Natural Resource Office, 2017. Annual Report. Unpublished.

Boef, W.S., Thijssen, M.H., 2007. Participatory tools working with crops, varieties and seeds. A guide for professionals applying participatory approaches in agro-biodiversity management, crop improvement and seed sector development. Wageningen International. Wageningen University and Research Center. The Netherlands.

Central Statistical Agency (CSA), 2016. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2015/2016 (2008 E.C.): Report on Area and Production of Major Crops (Private Peasant Holdings, Meher Season), Volume I. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dan, M., 2012. Integrating consumer preferences into breeding: A stepping stone to food security. Department of Agricultural Economics, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan. Presented on Wheat for Food Security in Africa. October 8-12, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

FAO and ICRISAT, 2015. Community Seed Production, by Ojiewo, C.O., Kugbei, S., Bishaw, Z., Rubyogo, J.C., eds. Workshop Proceedings, 9-11 December 2013. FAO Rome and ICRISAT. Addis Ababa, 176p.

FAO/WFP (Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Food Programme), 2010. Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission to Ethiopia. http://www.faostat.fao.org

Getachew, B., Hailu, T., Getachew, A., Kebebew, A., Gizaw, M., 2008. Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Debre Zeit Centre, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. Highly client-oriented breeding with farmer participation in the Ethiopian cereal tef [Eragrostistef (Zucc.) Trotter]. Afr. J. Agr. Res., 3(1), 022-028.

ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas), 2006. Technology Generations and Dissemination for Sustainable Production of Cereals and Cool Season Legumes. Aleppo, Syria, 256p

Published

2018-09-17

How to Cite

Biftu, A. ., Sida, A. ., & Gaddisa, B. . (2018). Participatory demonstration and evaluation of improved chickpea technologies in the mid altitude areas of Bale zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Scientific Journal of Crop Science, 7(9), 348-355. Retrieved from http://sjournals.com/index.php/sjcs/article/view/280

Issue

Section

Original Article