Perception of Farmers on Push-Pull Technology: Using Farmers Research Network Approach in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Striga and stem borer are the major challenges to sorghum production and causing serious food security problems in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was aimed to assess the perceptions of farmers on stem borer and Striga management, other multifunction of the push-pull forage plants, and social value of the farmers research network (FRN) on push pull technology (PPT). Data were collected using household-based semistructured questionnaires on Likert scale using Open Data Kit. In all study areas, the major challenges of sorghum production were pests (99%) followed by moisture stress (91%). Low soil fertility (86%) and input unavailability (79%) were the other sorghum production challenges. Stem borer was the major insect (99%) of sorghum and followed by fall army worm (92%). Striga weed was the major sorghum challenge (97%) and followed by Parthenium (21%). Majority of the farmers (98%) preferred to use PPT as a remedy to control pests. Most of the respondents (89%) perceived PPT was safer for human health, environmentally friendly and affordable compared to pesticides. PPT has contributed to increase grain yield (99%). All the respondents reported that PPT was used as a feed source for livestock, resulting in increased milk yield and weight gain. Most farmers (97%) responded that FRN enhanced knowledge transfer resulting in adoption of PPT and improved social interaction (96%). Most farmers who participated in the FRN have adopted the technology; hence, dissemination of the system to other farmers who are involved in sorghum production is recommended.