Highland Maize Technology Demonstration: Evidence from Three Maize Growing Districts of West and Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Maize is Ethiopia's most important crop in terms of production, and it contributes significantly to the country's economic and social development. The study was conducted in Wonchi, Ejere, and Kersa Malima districts of South West Shewa and West Shewa zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia, to evaluate and identify adaptable improved maize varieties and familiarize farmers with highland maize production techniques. The districts were selected purposively based on their production potential and accessibility for maize production. In this study, a participatory extension approach is employed as part of the methodology to select a demonstration site and host farmers. A total of 54 host farmers were chosen, and the trial was conducted on selected farmers' fields, with three varieties planted side by side on equal-sized plots size (10m2 x 15m2) from each district. Highland maize namely Jibat and Hora varieties along with a standard check (BH-661) were demonstrated and evaluated for grain yield and other parameters across tested sites. In the course of the implementation phase, different levels of field days at different growth stages of the crop were organized for respective potential Kebeles, and during the event stakeholders including host farmers and surrounding farmers, researchers, development agents, agricultural experts, and administrators attended to share experience, evaluate performance, and communicate the activity's progress. The variety selection process was carried out from different dimensions including both pre-harvest and post-harvest assessments. Using these criteria, the farmers identified varieties that are appropriate for their specific locations. Accordingly, host farmers showed special interest in Jibat and Hora varieties respectively. Overall grain yield performances of Jibat and Hora varieties on farmers' fields were 5.1 and 3.8 t/ha-1, respectively. Furthermore, the yield advantage of the two preferred varieties over the standard ones ranged from 54.9% to 15.1% in the three tested districts as compared to the standard checks. Beside this research intervention made impact to improving food security, livelihood, and knowledge and skill of host farmers in the study area. Hence, Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that the Jibat maize variety should be scaled up in the farming community to improve the maize production and productivity of the area, thereby improving their livelihood.