Participatory Variety Selection in Increasing theAvailability and Diversity of Improved Faba Bean (ViciaFaba L) Varieties in Some Selected Woredas Of Arsi Zone

Abstract

The experiment was carried out in Hexosa, Munessa, Digalu Tijo and Cholle districts of Arsi Zone with the objectives of enhancing production and productivity of faba bean on farmers’ fields and to improve linkage among stakeholders and create awareness on improved faba bean varieties and indirectly decreasing the cereal mono-crops systems of the areas. Four kebeles farmers training center were selected purposively based on faba bean production potential. Consequently, Oda jila kebele from Hexosa, Chaffa from Munessa district, Haro bilalo from Digalu tijo and Amuma salam bar from cholle district were selected. All management practices were done at the levels of local farmer’s levels for eight improved and one locally available faba bean varieties were shown and evaluated. The experiment was established on 25 m2 Demonstration Plots and DAP 100 kg/ha at the time of sowing applied to each demonstration plot with recommended seed rate. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected through observation, group discussion on field day and data recording sheet. The significances of improved varieties along with local variety were also analyzed through SAS-software. While qualitative data were analysed through simple ranking and summarization. The result of the study indicated that the best varieties namely Gebelcho, Moti and Degaga were frequently selected as top ranking in all districts as final selections or adapted varieties. Therefore, these varieties are recommended for further popularization and scaling up in study area and similar agro ecology...