An Assessment of Extension Approaches for Bacterial Wilt Control with Potato Farmers in Ethiopia

Abstract

Potato production provides a source of both food and cash income in Ethiopia's densely populated highlands, contributing significantly to smallholder potato growers' food security and cash income. However, Ethiopian potato farmers face numerous challenges, including a lack of access to improved high yielding quality seed, seed tubers, and soil with a high incidence of bacterial diseases, as well as a lack of agricultural extension support services. Three questions are investigated in this study. How well are farmers aware of bacterial wilt and the threat it poses to potato production? How eager are farmers to participate in collective/community action to prevent bacterial wilt? How can farmers improve their response to the condition – should they rely on local knowledge or scientific recommendations? The thesis is part of a larger research programme entitled Developing sustainable seed potato production system for improved livelihoods in 2015.  The programme, which is supported by Vita and Teasasc, is located in Chencha Woreda in Ethiopia's SNNPR region. Mixed method research is used in the thesis, which includes farmer surveys, key informant interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions. The research was carried out in two different kebeles. The research objectives were as follows: I to investigate farmers' understanding of bacterial wilt (BW), (ii) to assess farmers' willingness to engage in collective action, and (iii) to develop best-fit technical information channels for acquiring and disseminating knowledge on bacterial wilt management. The study found that communities are clearly aware of BW, and that BW is the most serious disease problem. Farmers' concern about BW is understandable, given that the disease reduces potato yields and poses a real threat to potato production, food security, and farmer profitability. However, there is a knowledge gap in the management of BW. Furthermore, there is insufficient data to pursue the best management practises in potato production. These deficits affect three groups: the general community, the farming community, and there is a specific issue between female and male farmers regarding their understanding of BW. The study discovered that a common feature is a lack of knowledge about cultural control practises that may limit the spread of BW.  It was also discovered that more than half of the farmers studied had inadequate knowledge. The most important finding is that almost all farmers are willing to work together to combat bacterial wilt. According to survey results, female farmers and poorer farmers must be considered a special group that requires special attention from extension services. To increase yields, both male and female farmers require access to information, skills, and tools. However, contact between farmers and extension agents was found to be relatively low in general, and particularly low among female farmers. Farmers' preferred methods of learning about BW were identified as peer-to-peer learning from fellow farmers; on-farm demonstration and farm visits to observe improved agronomic practise. Private organisations / non-state actors were also discovered to be important sources of information on BW. In some areas, churches, chiefs, community meetings, private agricultural companies, local FM radio, and on-farm advisory services are important sources of information. According to the study, combining technical innovations with initiatives involving collective action is required to result in significant farmer benefits. It also suggests that the government and non-governmental organisations collaborate to assist farmers, particularly women, in implementing strategies to limit the spread of BW.