Pre Extension Demonstration of Adapted Oat Varieties at Midland Areas of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

Ethiopia is leading Africa in number of livestock though production and productivity of livestock at household level is low. In midland districts of Guji zone there was lack of improved forage varieties to feed livestock so that number of livestock ownership by household head is becoming low. To solve this problem adaptation study of oat varieties was conducted in the midlands. Since adaptation study did not ensure the accessibility of oat varieties for target area this demonstration was initiated to reach many farmers and agro-pastorals to evaluate improved oat varieties, to increase the knowledge and skills and to identify farmers/agro pastorals preference on improved oat varieties. Activity was done during 2019 and 2020 year and two improved oat varieties called Jasari and ILRI 5453 were demonstrated on 10mx10m areas of 8 experimental farmers and 7 agro-pastorals at Adola Rede and Wadera district respectively. Training, exchange visit and mini field day were used to increase farmers’ and agro-pastorals’ knowledge and skills on oat production. Observation, measurement, interview and focus group discussion were used to collect the data. The collected data was analyzed by t test, mean and narration form. The result of this demonstration showed that more seed yield (37.47qt/ha), high dry biomass (2.02t/ha) and more number of tillers (7.4) was obtained from ILRI 5453 than Jasari variety which gave a seed yield of 31.47qt/ha, 1.58t/ha dry biomass and5.8 number of tillers. Both varieties gave good seed yield at Wadera than Adola Rede district. This showed that oat production was more preferable at agro-pastoral area. T-test showed that there was significant difference at (1%) in seed yield and dry biomass between demonstrated varieties. Demonstrated oat varieties were early matured and hence compatible for double cropping. Experimental farmers and agro-pastorals mentioned that yield, fresh biomass and dry biomass of oat were used for livestock feeding. It was palatable for cattle during vegetative stage and after harvesting so that oat production helped farmers and agro-pastorals both during wet and dry season feeding. ILRI 5453 was selected by farmers and agro-pastorals based on its yield, dry biomass and number of tillers. Therefore, ILRI 5453 oat was recommended for further promotion at midlands and agro-pastorals of Guji zone.