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Research Article
Bridging Yield Gap in Faba Bean Crop Production: Evidence from Large Scale Demonstration at Wolmera and Kolobo District in Central Highland of Ethiopia
Endale Mekonnen*
,
Hana Amare,
Mamaru Tesfaye
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
44-49
Received:
30 May 2025
Accepted:
30 June 2025
Published:
11 August 2025
Abstract: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is believed to be one of the earliest domesticated legumes next to chickpea. It is an important pulse crop produced all over the world for both foods, feed & it serves as a cheap source of protein The main objective of this activity is to demonstrate improved faba bean technology through a cluster-based crop production approach. Large scale demonstration of faba bean technology is conducted at Wolmera, district and sheger city administration for two years (2021/22-2022/23). Districts, kebeles, and farmers are selected based on potential in faba bean production and farmers' willingness to implement technologies, with woreda agricultural office. 32 farmers and three improved varieties of Wolki, Dosha, and Numan used. 24.85 qts of seed is used to cover 12 hectares of land with a full package. The demonstrate result revealed that the mean, advantage and percent yield increase of the improved technologies across locations shows. The first year (2021/22) yield result showed that variety Wolki at Wolmera in Robgebeya kebele gives a mean grain yield of 28.5 qt/ha which is higher than the national and regional average yield 21.22 and 23.31 qt/ha respectively. In the second year (2022/23) faba bean LSD result showed that the average grain yield harvested across the districts is 27.3 qt/ha greater than the national, regional and zonal average mean grain yield. The maximum grain yield 38.9 qt/ha and an average yield of 32.5 qts/ha was obtained from Robegebeya Kebele. The data indicates that the actual yield from LSD is generally higher than the national and regional average yield in the country. Therefore, the study indicates that maximum faba bean yield can be achieved in fertile soil conditions, controlling diseases like faba bean gall diseases, and applying full crop recommendation packages.
Abstract: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is believed to be one of the earliest domesticated legumes next to chickpea. It is an important pulse crop produced all over the world for both foods, feed & it serves as a cheap source of protein The main objective of this activity is to demonstrate improved faba bean technology through a cluster-based crop production app...
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Research Article
Assessment and Mapping of Soil Fertility Status Under Different Land Use Systems of Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia
Isihak Lolo*,
Fayisa Gurmu,
Fenan Tola
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
50-61
Received:
24 June 2025
Accepted:
14 July 2025
Published:
11 August 2025
Abstract: Soil fertility status under different land use systems has been verified to be useful for soil fertility management practices and the efficient utilization of limited land resources. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in the Yabello District to assess soil fertility status under different land use systems and mapping of selected soil fertility parameters. Consequently, based on soil factors such as parent materials, topography, climate, and geomorphology, Yabello District was divided into 87 sampling units. A total of eighty-seven (87) sample mapping units were identified, and composite soil samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties at the Yabello and Batu Soil Research Centers. For soil parameter analysis, laboratory standards were followed. Based on laboratory results, the data was subjected to interpolation using ArcGIS 10.8 software (ordinary kriging), was used to predict values for unsampled locations and to map the whole district. Accordingly, soil texture was categorized as sandy clay loam in forest, cultivate and grazing lands, and sandy clay in shrub lands. Available phosphorus ranged from medium to high in forest land, medium in shrub and grassland, and low in cultivated land. Soil pH was categorized as slightly acidic to neutral in forest land, neutral in grassland, and slightly alkaline in cultivated and shrub lands. Organic carbon ranged from low to high in forest land, medium in grassland, and low to medium in cultivated areas. Therefore, further research should focus on correlating and calibrating soil test with crop responses to develop site-specific fertilizer recommendations and optimal application rates.
Abstract: Soil fertility status under different land use systems has been verified to be useful for soil fertility management practices and the efficient utilization of limited land resources. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in the Yabello District to assess soil fertility status under different land use systems and mapping of selected soil fertili...
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Research Article
Strengthening Climate-Smart Agriculture-Responsive Extension in Kenya: Evidence on Inclusion and Effectiveness for Smallholder Farmers
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
62-76
Received:
11 July 2025
Accepted:
24 July 2025
Published:
11 August 2025
Abstract: Despite Kenya's policy commitment to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and progressive reforms in agricultural extension, significant gaps remain in ensuring equitable access to and effective services, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examines the delivery and perception of CSA-responsive extension services among smallholder farmers in Tharaka Nithi County, focusing on three key dimensions: inclusion (gender and disability), feedback mechanisms, and provider type (public versus private). Utilizing a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach with 418 respondents, the study integrates quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to evaluate access to extension services and CSA adoption. The findings indicate that private sector-led extension services reached a more diverse group of farmers and were more strongly associated with CSA adoption than public sector-led services. Although gender and disability alone did not yield statistically significant differences in access, their combined effect approached significance, indicating the presence of intersectional barriers. Feedback mechanisms also influenced outcomes: field visits and community meetings effectively promoted CSA adoption, particularly for farmers with disabilities, whereas Short Message Service (SMS) messaging had limited impact. Education and farming experience emerged as significant factors facilitating adoption. Overall, the findings highlight the limitations of conventional, top-down extension systems and underscore the necessity for more participatory, inclusive, and locally adapted approaches. This study advocates for a transition toward a multi-actor, learning-centered CSA-responsive extension model to ensure that climate resilience strategies equitably reach and benefit all farmers, especially those situated at the last mile of service delivery.
Abstract: Despite Kenya's policy commitment to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and progressive reforms in agricultural extension, significant gaps remain in ensuring equitable access to and effective services, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examines the delivery and perception of CSA-responsive extension services among smallholder far...
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Research Article
Modification and Performance Evaluation of a Multi-crop Thresher for Animal Feed Chopping Purpose
Husen Bona*,
Husen Abagissa,
Teshome Wakeyo
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
77-82
Received:
27 July 2025
Accepted:
7 August 2025
Published:
28 August 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjast.20250303.14
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Views:
Abstract: The greatest livestock population in Africa is found in Ethiopia. Still, several limitations prevent the agricultural industry as a whole and the livestock "sub-sector" in particular from being properly utilized. For cattle farmers in the nation, feed supply, quality, and quantity have always been problems. Using maize and sorghum stalks is a crucial solution for reducing this issue. Therefore, the part of the machine was modified due to the cutting blades were bolted on the drum with a cutting depth of 1 cm and a cutting length of 6 cm, and were made up of sheet metal 6 mm thick and 4 cm wide to cut the feed to the recommended lengths with reasonable consistency. The research was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Centre (JAERC), Dedo districts, to evaluate the machine's performance in terms of chopping efficiency, throughput capacity, and cutting efficiency, at different speeds of the cutter shaft. It was discovered that the chopper's output was an amazing accomplishment. Using a factorial design with three replications, the machine's performance was assessed using sorghum and maize stalks treated for engine speed, feeding rate, and crop stalk. The finest (shortest) mean cut length of the maize and sorghum stalks (1.09 cm, 0.99 cm), the highest chopping efficiency of the maize and sorghum stalks (97.54%, 98.15%), and the highest mean chopping capacity of the stalks (897.90 kg/hr, 898.98 kg/hr) were reported. At a significance level of 0.05, the operation speed was found to be very significant among the treatments. It is advised that small- to medium-sized farmers see a demonstration of the machine based on the outcomes.
Abstract: The greatest livestock population in Africa is found in Ethiopia. Still, several limitations prevent the agricultural industry as a whole and the livestock "sub-sector" in particular from being properly utilized. For cattle farmers in the nation, feed supply, quality, and quantity have always been problems. Using maize and sorghum stalks is a cruci...
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