Large Scale Demonstration and Popularization of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Varieties in Selected Districts of Southwest Ethiopia Region

Abstract

wheat is a staple crop in Ethiopia, contributing to both the country's agricultural sector and the diet of its population. Cluster-based large-scale demonstrations of improved bread wheat varieties were conducted during 2022 meher cropping season in selected districts of two zones of southwest Ethiopia to demonstrate and promote improved bread wheat technology under farmers' conditions. Chena district from the Kaffa zone and Sheybench district from the Bench Sheko zone were purposively selected for this demonstration based on their potential for wheat production. One Keble was chosen from each district and formed one cluster of farmers for the demonstration. Each cluster covers an area of 30 ha and 20 ha in the Chena and Sheybench districts, respectively; a total of 50 ha was used for the demonstration. For the demonstration, two improved bread wheat varieties, Wane and Kingbird, were applied. Important inputs were delivered, and training was given to participants and stakeholders by the Bonga Agricultural Research Center. To popularize and disseminate the demonstrated technology, field days were organized and held at both sites at crop physiological maturity, and farmers' feedback and preferences were accessed. The demonstration drew a total of 220 people (stakeholders, zonal and district bureau of Agriculture officials, participant farmers, and invited nearly Keble model farmers). Finally, from the demonstrated varieties, Kingbird was preferred by farmers as the highest yielder 13.8% yield advantage over wane with the same management practice, and was also the most disease-tolerant. Therefore, the kingbird variety was preferred by farmers due to yield potential and advised for the further extension system and production in the area.