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Research Article
Pre-extension Demonstration of Released Field Pea Varieties in Targeted Districts of West and Southwest Shewa Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia
Endale Mekonnen*
,
Mamaru Tesfaye,
Hana Amare,
Chernet Asefa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
30-35
Received:
20 February 2025
Accepted:
18 March 2025
Published:
31 March 2025
Abstract: A pre-extension demonstration of improved field pea varieties was conducted in the west, southwest, and Finifine special zones of Adaberga, Welmera, Ejere, and Woliso districts of Oromia regional state. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate and evaluate the recently released (Jeldu) variety along with standard checks (Burqitu). The trial was conducted for two consecutive years (2021/22-2022/23). The demonstration was undertaken on a single plot of 15mx20m area for each variety with the spacing of 5 cm between plants and 20 cm between rows and recommended seed rate of 180kg/ha and fertilizer rate of 121kg/ha NPS. A mini-field day involving different stakeholders was organized at each respective site. Yield data per plot was recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, while farmers’ preference for the demonstrated varieties was identified using focused group discussion and summarized using pairwise ranking methods. The demonstration result revealed that Jeldu variety performed better than the standard check (Burqitu variety) with an average yield of 37.21qt/ha, while that of the standard check was 32.09qt/ha. Jeldu variety had a 19.94% yield advantage over the standard check. Thus, Jeldu variety was recommended for further scaling up.
Abstract: A pre-extension demonstration of improved field pea varieties was conducted in the west, southwest, and Finifine special zones of Adaberga, Welmera, Ejere, and Woliso districts of Oromia regional state. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate and evaluate the recently released (Jeldu) variety along with standard checks (Burqitu). The tri...
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Research Article
Determination of Appropriate Maize (Zea mays L.) Spacing for Moisture Stress Areas of Borana Zone, Southern Oromia
Ibsa Jibat*,
Belda Edeo,
Dajane Legesse
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
36-43
Received:
17 December 2024
Accepted:
20 March 2025
Published:
10 April 2025
Abstract: Plant density is one of the factor that affect maize yield and yield related traits. However, most of appropriate agronomic practices and requirements of maize have been studied and determined, there is limited information on plant population and row arrangement in study area. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of intra and inter-row spacing on growth, yield components and grain yield of maize, and to identify economically acceptable maize intra and inter-row spacing in Yabello district. A factorial combination of the three intra-rows spacing (20, 25 and 30 cm) and four inter-row spacing (55, 65, 75 and 85 cm) were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed that inter-row spacing highly significant (P< 0.01) affected most parameters, except cob diameter, ear length, and the number of rows per cob. The highest number of cobs per plant (1.61) and number of seeds per row (28.87) were observed at 65 cm inter-row spacing. Intra-row spacing significantly affected the number of cobs per plant and the hundred-seed weight. The highest values for both were observed at 30 cm intra-row spacing, with 1.6 cobs per plant and 30.75 g for hundred-seed weight. Furthermore, the interaction between inter and intra-row spacing significantly influenced the days to flowering and grain yield. The highest grain yield (4037.57 kg ha−1) was achieved with the 65 cm × 30 cm combination, while the lowest grain yield (2222.52 kg ha−1) was obtained from the combination of 30 cm intra-row and 85 cm inter-row spacing. Economic analysis showed the highest net benefit (100, 906.7 ETB ha−1) from the combination of 30 cm intra-row and 65 cm inter-row spacing. Therefore, based on economic analysis it can be concluded that spacing combinations of 65 x 30 cm responded favorably in attaining higher grain yield for Melkassa-1 maize variety production in the moisture stress area of Borana zone and similar agro ecologies.
Abstract: Plant density is one of the factor that affect maize yield and yield related traits. However, most of appropriate agronomic practices and requirements of maize have been studied and determined, there is limited information on plant population and row arrangement in study area. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of intra ...
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Research Article
On-Farm Demonstration of Improved Forage Varieties in Selected Districts of Southwest Ethiopia
Teka Tefera Bekele*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
44-49
Received:
5 March 2025
Accepted:
24 March 2025
Published:
14 April 2025
Abstract: Livestock production is a critical component of Ethiopia's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security, income generation, and livelihoods. However, livestock productivity remains constrained by inadequate availability of high-quality forage, particularly during dry seasons. This study evaluated the adaptability and productivity of three improved forage varieties—Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Desho Grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum), and Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)—in selected districts of Southwest Ethiopia. The on-farm demonstration involved 25 smallholder farmers across five kebeles in Shey Bench and Menit Goldiya districts. Farmers were trained in improved forage cultivation, management, and utilization, and data on biomass yield, plant height, and tiller density were collected. Results indicated that Elephant Grass produced the highest biomass yield (20-25 tons/ha/year), followed by Desho Grass (12-15 tons/ha/year) and Rhodes Grass (8-12 tons/ha/year). Farmers reported significant improvements in livestock health, milk production, and dry-season feed availability due to the adoption of these forages. Desho Grass was particularly noted for its soil conservation benefits, while Rhodes Grass demonstrated resilience in low-fertility soils. Farmers expressed strong interest in scaling up adoption, emphasizing the need for continued training and access to planting materials. The study highlights the potential of improved forage varieties to enhance livestock productivity, improve soil fertility, and support sustainable land management practices in Southwest Ethiopia. Recommendations include scaling out these varieties, providing continuous farmer training, integrating improved forages into national agricultural policies, and conducting further research to evaluate long-term performance under diverse agroecological conditions. This initiative underscores the importance of improved forage technologies in addressing feed shortages and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.
Abstract: Livestock production is a critical component of Ethiopia's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security, income generation, and livelihoods. However, livestock productivity remains constrained by inadequate availability of high-quality forage, particularly during dry seasons. This study evaluated the adaptability and productivit...
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Research Article
Evaluating the Agronomic and Economic Yield of Rice: An Effective Way for Delivering Extension Service
Adane Melak Beyene*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
50-60
Received:
2 November 2024
Accepted:
19 November 2024
Published:
19 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20251402.14
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Abstract: Africa has experienced the fastest-growing demand for rice in the world over the past decade, making rice remarkable economic and social importance. However, compared to other rice-growing regions, Africa's rice yields are among the lowest, with imports meeting most of the demand. Yield improvement can be achieved by adjusting elements of the cropping system, such as planting date and density. Therefore, this experiment aims to determine the proper seedling age and optimum planting density of NERICA 10 for maximum grain and straw yields as well as high net profit. The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Seedling age of 21 and 28 days after sowing (DAS) and planting density of 14.5, 20.0, and 25.6 hills/m2 were used as factors. Plant length, stem number, leaf color, heading date, paddy yield, yield components, and straw yield were measured. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and JMP (ver.14.0). There is no interaction effect between seeding age and planting density on growth, paddy yield and yield components, straw yield, and harvest index by ANOVA. However, seedling age had significant effect on plant length, stem number/m2 and headings; while planting density had a significant effect on the number of stems/m2, panicles/m2, and spikelets/panicle. Number of panicles/m2 had also a strong and significant relationship with paddy yield. In paddy yield estimated from yield components, A2D3 had a 5.4% advantage over A1D2, However, in Tsubo-Gari sampling, A1D2 outperformed in paddy and straw yield that reached up to 28.3% and 30.2%, respectively, and gave net benefit advantage between 978.35 to 2329.33 USD over alternatives. Applying A1D2 (14.5 hills/m2) decreased seedling cost/ha by 198.7 USD, increased milled rice by 0.98 ton/ha and net profit by 1982.05 USD over A2D3 (25.6 hills/m2). Therefore, treatment A1D2 confirmed as a better recommendation.
Abstract: Africa has experienced the fastest-growing demand for rice in the world over the past decade, making rice remarkable economic and social importance. However, compared to other rice-growing regions, Africa's rice yields are among the lowest, with imports meeting most of the demand. Yield improvement can be achieved by adjusting elements of the cropp...
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Research Article
Determinant Factors for Farmers’ Investment on Forest Landscape Restoration in Soddo Zuria, Southern-Ethiopia
Bisrat Hailemichael,
Melaku Bekele,
Tamirat Teshome*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
61-71
Received:
10 March 2025
Accepted:
26 March 2025
Published:
22 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20251402.15
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Abstract: Forest landscape degradation poses a significant challenge in southern Ethiopia, contributing to food insecurity and rural migration. Despite various intervention programs, effective management of this vital resource remains inadequate, resulting in declining agricultural productivity. This study investigates the impact of various environmental and socio-economic factors on the adoption of tree planting practices on degraded landscapes. Primary data were collected from 149 household heads through structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The chi-square statistic (χ² = 1.96, p = 0.581) indicates that there is no statistically significant relationship between slope type and tree planting adoption. Result also showed that contact with extension agents significantly boosts adoption rates for tree planting. The chi-square value (χ² = 5.604) with a p-value of 0.018 indicates a significant relationship between contact with extension agents and the adoption of tree planting. Additionally, training on tree planting did not significantly impact adoption rates (χ² = 0.032, p = 0.865), indicating that personal beliefs and cultural practices may play a more vital role. The probit regression results highlight several critical factors influencing the adoption of tree planting among households. Notably, the significance of land certificates and farmers’ perception of land tenure security underscores the importance of secure land rights in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Larger farm sizes and livestock ownership also positively impact tree planting, indicating that resource availability plays a crucial role. In contrast, age, family size, education, and extension contact do not significantly influence tree planting behavior. This suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing tree planting adoption should focus on improving land security and providing resources rather than merely increasing educational outreach or extension services. The complexity of factors influencing adoption decisions highlights the importance of a nuanced policy-making approach that considers local contexts and individual circumstances, particularly regarding land rights and resource management.
Abstract: Forest landscape degradation poses a significant challenge in southern Ethiopia, contributing to food insecurity and rural migration. Despite various intervention programs, effective management of this vital resource remains inadequate, resulting in declining agricultural productivity. This study investigates the impact of various environmental and...
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Research Article
Determinants of Rice Output Market Surplus Under Smallholder Rice Producers in North Western Ethiopia
Welay Tesfay*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
72-82
Received:
13 March 2025
Accepted:
1 April 2025
Published:
28 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20251402.16
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Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple, and cash crop used as the main source of calorie intake for humans and animals in the globe and feeds more than 3.5 billion people worldwide. Introduced to Ethiopia in the 1970s, rice has since become a key source of food, income, and employment for smallholder farmers. The research used a simple and systematic sampling technique to take 180 smallholder rice producers to examine the determinants of rice output market surplus in Northwester Ethiopia. The research used descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression model. The descriptive statistics revealed that 87.22%, 52.78%, 46.11%, 47.22%, and 61.67% of the respondents were male-headed, got extension services, owned fertile rice land, were members of cooperatives, and owned their cell phones respectively. The multiple linear regression model identified that Adoption of improved rice variety, rice farming experience, cultivated land allocated for rice production, soil fertility, and training on rice production practices are variables that determined the rice output marketable surplus in Northwestern Ethiopia. All these factors maximize the marketable rice output surplus. Thus, policy interventions should focus on enhancing infrastructure, supporting farmer cooperatives, and promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness in the rice market. By overcoming these barriers, Ethiopia can further harness the potential of rice farming to improve food security and economic development for smallholder farmers.
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple, and cash crop used as the main source of calorie intake for humans and animals in the globe and feeds more than 3.5 billion people worldwide. Introduced to Ethiopia in the 1970s, rice has since become a key source of food, income, and employment for smallholder farmers. The research used a simple and systematic samp...
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