Pre Extension Demonstration of Improved Desho Grasses at Highland Districts of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Food and feed is the most aspect in agricultural sector. Potential land is covered by crop production to feed the increasing human population. Hence, for livestock production feed production is challenging to be solved at farm level. Therefore, balancing the available land for crop and livestock production is critical as the land is fixed resource. This could be achieved by demonstrating year round forage production on small area. This activity was conducted at highland districts of Guji zone to evaluate biomass yield of Desho grasses and to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers on production of Desho grass. Areka DZF № #590 and Kindo Kosha DZF № #591 desho grasses were planted on 5m×10m with the recommended packages. Knowledge and skills of farmers were taken before and after demonstration. Training and mini field day was organized. Cutting and carry system was used to feed livestock. Measurement, observation and interview were used to collect the data. Plot cover, plant height regeneration and fresh biomass were collected. 17 Knowledge and skills questions were prepared and interviewed to 18 farmers before and after demonstration. Descriptive and t tests were used to analysis the data. The result of descriptive showed that Kindo Kosha DZF № #591 variety had more plot cover (88.47%) than Areka DZF № #590 variety (85.76%). As desho grass is annual forage and regeneration trait was important for livestock feed. Kindo Kosha DZF № #591 variety also provide high in regeneration capacity (85%) than Areka DZF № #590 (83%). More fresh biomass was obtained from Kindo Kosha DZF № #591 (49.78t/ha) than Areka DZF № #590 (47.59t/ha). The result of paired sample test showed that there was a mean significance difference in knowledge and skills before and after on demonstration of desho grasses at 0.001 level. Knowledge and skills of farmers were increased by trainings and field days organized on desho grass demonstration. Both desho grasses were identified and preferred for livestock feed by experimental farmers. Desho grasses were important as feed, soil erosion control and as income generating. Therefore, it is better to pre scaled up these desho grasses at highland areas of Guji zone. To know more advantage of desho grass as livestock feed further research is needed on the effect of desho grass on milk and meat production at the study areas.