Abstract
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important source of food and income. However, its on-farm diversity and conservation by smallholder farmers is not known in the east Hararghe Zone of eastern Ethiopia. Thus, field survey was conducted from November 2018 to February 2019 to assess the on-farm diversity, cropping system and the role of gender in production and management of common bean varieties. Common bean producing districts were selected purposively whereas sub-districts (kebeles) were selected randomly. Three kebeles from each of the two major agro-ecological zones, two key informants and twelve general informants from each kebele were selected to constitute a total of 84 informants. The selection of general informants was stratified based on gender and wealth status. Structured interview guide was used to interview general informants whereas semi-structured interview guide was used to interview key informants. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted in R (version 3.5.2). Seven farmers’ varieties of common bean were identified and their diversity was higher in tepid, moist mid highlands (M3) whereas cropped area (ha) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in tepid sub-humid highlands (SH3) agro-ecology. Most activities of common bean were undertaken by male adults. Insect pests were the prominent constraints of common bean production. Farmers’ varieties were used as food and feed, and soil fertility management. Therefore, their on-farm and ex situ conservation, maintenance of endangered varieties, and shortage of cropping land due to chat plantation need special concern to promote their cultivation.
Highlights
Common bean is among major food legumes and ranks third as one of the most important worldwide food crops next to soybean and peanut in terms of production (Jibril et al 2015)
Its on-farm diversity and conservation by smallholder farmers is not known in the east Hararghe Zone of eastern Ethiopia
Haramaya, Qersa, Kombolicha and Meta districts were used for the study since they are major producers of common bean in M3 and SH3 agro-ecological zones (EHZAO 2017).Three kebeles from each major agro-ecological classification, two key informants and twelve general informants from each kebele were included which constituted a total of 84 informants (72 for household survey and 12 for key informant).The selection of general informants was randomly made whereas the selection of key informants was purposive based on their experience in production of common bean
Summary
Common bean is among major food legumes and ranks third as one of the most important worldwide food crops next to soybean and peanut in terms of production (Jibril et al 2015) It is cultivated in a wide range of agro-ecologies and farming systems including well-watered and drought-stressed areas (Asrat et al 2011). (2n = 2x = 22) belongs to the Fabaceae family, which comprises species displaying a wide variety of forms: trees, shrubs and herbs, including many with a climbing growth habit (Porch et al 2013) It is one of the most important legume crops grown in all continents of the world except Antarctica, because of its high protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrate content. Beans (Phaseolus spp.) are extremely diverse crops in terms of cultivation methods, in diverse environments and elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000 m height, morphological variability, and utilities (dry as pulse and green as vegetable) (Pathania et al 2006)
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