Pre-Extension Demonstration of Newly Released Tef (<i>Eragrostis Tef</i>) Technologies in Selected Moisture Deficit Areas of North and East Shewa Zones of the Amhara and Oromia Regional States, Ethiopia

Abstract

Tef (Eragrostis Tef) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia and holds significant importance for food security, nutrition, and income generation for smallholder farmers. However, its production faces various challenges, including low yields, which is caused by limited access to improved varieties and lack of knowledge on best agronomic practices. The study was aimed at enhancing the adoption of new tef technologies by raising farmers' awareness towards better management practices in the study area. The newly released Boni variety along with the standard checks (Bora and Boset) was demonstrated during the 2022 main cropping season. Yield data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The farmers preference and feedback were evaluated using direct ranking and narration respectively. The finding showed that the highest grain yield (2.22 tha^–1) was obtained from Bora variety in the Minjar Shenkora district of North Shewa zone, Amhara regional state. Conversely, the lowest average yield (1.84 tha^–1) was recorded from Boni variety in the Bora district of East Shewa zone, Oromia regional state. The yield increment of Boni over Bora ranges from -4.2% to 1.0% across the districts. Furthermore, comparing Boni to the Boset variety, Boni consistently demonstrated higher yields, with yield advantages ranging from -1.1% in the Bora district to 7.2% in the Boset district. In contrast, the yield advantage of Boni over farmers' practices varies across districts, ranging from -14.4% in Bora district to 5.9% in Minjar Shenkora district. Similarly, Boni variety was selected first, followed by Bora and Boset varieties in Boset and Bora districts, while Bora variety was selected first followed by Boni and Boset variety in the Liben Chiquala and Minjar Shenkora districts. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the selected varieties in the specific target areas as well as other similar agro-ecological areas by involving all the concerned stakeholders at different levels.