Abstract
This study was conducted at Bule Hora district of West Guji zone, Southern Oromia with the objective of further disseminating the already evaluated and selected variety maize, Jibat (AMH-851) to the farming community. The district was selected purposively based on potentiality and accessibility for maize production; and two potential peasant associations (PAs), Hera Liphitu and MetiTokuma were selected. A total of 20 trial farmers, 10 from each PAs were selected. Subsequently, 86 farmers were trained by multidisplinary team of Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture researchers (Breeder, Agronomist, Economist and Extensionist) on importance of maize production, agronomic practices and pre and post-harvest management of this variety. One variety of maize, Jibat was planted on 0.25 ha on each 20 farmers’ fields. A seed rate of 25 kg/ha and 100 diammonium phosphate (DAP) kg/ha were used with a line spacing of 75 and 25 cm between plants and rows, respectively. Accordingly, in the course of implementation, a total of 20 farmers were reached, 125 kg seed was delivered and an area of 5 ha was covered. Field day was organized in representative potential PAs on which a total of 113 participants (80 farmers from trial and non-trial, 3 researcher, 18 development agents (Das) and 12 stakeholders including GOs and NGOs) attended to share experience, evaluate the performance and to communicate the progress of the activity. The overall grain yield performances of Jibat variety was 4.1 tons/ha-2 on farmers’ field. The research intervention had contributed to improve food security, livelihood and knowledge and skill of trial farmers. Upon completion of the activity an exit strategy was designed and respective district office of agriculture and natural resources were officially invited to discuss its sustainability. Based on this study, it is evidently clear that the Jibat maize variety should be scaled up in the farming community to improve livelihood. Key words: Pre-scaling up, multidisplinary, Jibat, BuleHora.  
Highlights
Maize is originated in Central America and was introduced to West Africa in the early 1500s by the Portuguese traders
The average yield of pre-scaled up of Jibat maize variety was almost 1.5 times higher compared to the average zonal productivity of local maize variety which was 2.7 tons/ha (CSA, 2017)
In Ethiopia, is impossible to increase the production and productivity, insure food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers, pastoralists and agro pastoralists where conventional farming is dominant without the use improved varieties with best management practices
Summary
Maize is originated in Central America and was introduced to West Africa in the early 1500s by the Portuguese traders. It is grown in most part of the world over a wide range of environmental condition, ranging between 50° latitude north and south of equator. In Ethiopia, maize grows from moisture stress areas to high rainfall areas and from lowlands to the highlands. It is largely produced in Western, Central, Southern and Eastern parts of the country. In 2017 cropping season, 2,135,571.85 ha of land was covered by maize with an estimated production of 784.7 tons (CSA, 2017)
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