Pre-Scaling up of Improved Faba Bean Technologies in the Highland Districts of Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Pre scaling up of faba bean was conducted in the highland districts of Guji Zone to increase farmers’ capacity in production and management practices. Ana Sora and Ana Sora districts and four sites were selected purposively based on convenience of the crop for faba bean production. From each peasant Association nine farmers were selected, for the two years 72 farmers were selected. The two improved varieties of faba bean distributed for farmers were Gebelcho and Walki. Depending on the capacity of farmers 50kg-100kg of faba bean was given for the selected farmers. Around 24.5ha was covered by the faba bean during the production years. Training was given farmers and others on production and packages of faba bean. Exchange and mini field day was arranged for further promotion of faba bean in the highland area. From 0.25ha the productivity of improved faba bean Gebelcho was around eight quintals while Walki was about seven quintals which was higher than locally disseminated faba bean. Faba bean is potential crop in the highlands of Bore and Ana Sora districts. The crop is used for household consumption as well as cash crop in generating income for farmers. Gebelcho and Walki were acceptable during field day by farmers due to their disease tolerant and productivity per hectare. Thus, highland farmers should use Gebelcho and Walki variety of faba bean in order to increase their faba bean production and generate more income for their livelihood. Further dissemination faba bean is expected from seed multipliers in producing quality seed and addressing potential area.

Keywords: Faba bean, Gebelcho, Walki, farmers