Characterization of a barley-based farming system in the Arsi Highlands, Ethiopia

Abstract

In order to minimize the gap between the demand for barley, particularly malt barley, and its supply, this study was initiated to assess the existing farming systems of the selected agro ecologies in order to develop appropriate malt barley technologies and major production constraints. In line to this, two districts with a potential in barley production were purposively selected from the Arsi highlands of Ethiopia and totally 120 farmers were selected and used to conduct the study. During 2009 to 2010 production season, both food and malt barley varieties were grown by about 95% of surveyed farmers. Among the surveyed farmers, about 82% have knowledge or knowhow to improved barley varieties while 19% did not. Yielding potential and market value are the major reasons of farmers for preferring to produce some malt barley varieties over the others. Holker, miscal-21, and local food barley varieties are the relatively high-yielding as well frequently cultivated varieties in the study areas. The present and foreseen increase in number of breweries and their expansion currently and in the future indicates the demand for malt barley product in the future. Unpredictable rainfall, shortages of labor, improved seed, working capital, low quality of seed, untimely supply of inputs, and problem of good market facilities were the major constraints of barley production in the study area. Key words: Characterization, barley, barley based farming system and Arsi highlands.