English

Abstract

Enset is a multipurpose plant, of which every part is thoroughly utilized, cultivated, as a food and crop only in Ethiopia, particularly in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. The main objective of this research is to assess the indigenous knowledge of farmers for identifying the different enset varieties grown in Labu Koromo kebele, Dore woreda. The data were collected using open and close ended questionnaires, key informative, oral interview and field observation. There are different characteristics that farmers use to differentiate enset variety such as leaf color, midrib and pseudo stem. According to the responses of farmers, enset variety at Sidama Zone is estimated to be 51 to 60. Among this amount of enset diversity, 11 to 20 were recorded in Dore woreda. Upgrading the indigenous knowledge of farmers is required in the future for better recognition and standard. Moreover, further study regarding the varieties growing at Dore woreda is required for scientific documentation. Key words: Dore woreda, Enset, farmers, Sidama zone, variety.