Pre-extension Demonstration of Improved Lowland Enset at Gurage and Siltie Zones, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The southern regions of Ethiopia have a variety of agroecologies suitable for various crops, including Enset, but their range is very limited. On this basis, the Worabe Agricultural Research Center has conducted a pre-expansion demonstration of the improved Enset technology in the Meskan and Dalocha
districts of the Gurage and Siltie zones from 2020 to 2023. The aim of the present study was to generate broader demand, increase production and assess farmers' perceptions of the Enset technology being demonstrated. Based on Enset's production capacity, one Kebele was selected from each district.
Therefore, five farmers from each district were selected for the demonstration based on their willingness to participate in the activity. In addition, one farmer training center was also selected for implementation. Training sessions for farmers, development agents and other stakeholders were provided at both the locations. Over 250 of the Enset corm pieces of the improved Mazia variety have
been delivered to 10 farmers and also 25 pieces for farmer's training centers. The suckers were planted separately in the farmer's home garden in planting holes 40 cm deep with 2 m and 2 m distances between plants and rows, respectively. Data were collected through measurements and interviews. As a result, the average yields of Kocho from Beresa and Ebot kebele were 27 kg and 26.1 kg per plant, respectively. Similarly, the average yield of Kocho from Ebot Kebele Farmers Training Center was 19 kg per plant. The cost advantage and farmers' perception of the demonstration showed that the technology is viable and in demand by many farmers. Therefore, the extension system of the area should access and pre- scale up such high-yielding, early-maturing and drought-tolerant Enset varieties to wider communities urgently needed under each district.