Pre Scaling up of Tef Variety at Midland Districts of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

: Tef is stable crop food in Ethiopia. However, many farmers were not food secured and only few model farmers used tef for their daily local food. This is due to the use of low yielder varieties. On the other hand, improved tef varieties were not disseminated for surplus production. Therefore, it is important to find the way of improved tef varieties were disseminated in potential areas of Guji zone. This activity was conducted to popularize improved Dagim tef variety, strengthen stakeholders’ linkage and to improve farmers’ income. Purposively, Adola Rede, Odo Shakiso and Wadera were selected based on their tef potential and suitable for monitoring. Seven (7) kebeles were selected from the selected districts. Totally, 83 farmers were selected for pre scaling up tef at the midlands of Guji zone. In addition, four FTCs were used as multiplication site as a seed source for the next season. 400kg of Dagim variety was distributed. Each farmer was obtained 4.5kg Dagim variety and sown it on 0.25ha. Training was used to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills on Dagim production and field day was used to motivate farmers to grow Dagim tef variety. The stakeholder had participated during training and field day to strengthen linkage on seed, agricultural inputs and information. Hand weeding and herbicide was used to control weed. Yield, cost of production and farmers perception were collected by interview method. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, net income and narration. The yield performance of Dagim variety was 9.82 qt/ha which low compared to national and demonstration stage due to lack of rainfall during 2020 and 2021/22 year. The result of net income showed that production of Dagim variety generated a return of 15735.72 ETB/ha. More net income (17551.63 ETB/ha) was obtained at Odo Shakiso district followed by Adola Rede district (16503.36 ETB/ha). There was a good yield and income at some farmers who sown Dagim variety at mid of September month. Dagim variety should be disseminated in the midland districts of Guji Zone. Since tef can be produced twice in a year provision of tef variety and fertilizer for farmers should available based the seasons.