Farmers’ Perception on Glyphosate Application in Conservation Agriculture System of Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the farmers’ perception on application of glyphosate in CA-based systems in Hintalo Wejerat and Dogua Temben districts, Tigray, northern Ethiopia in 2013 growing season. Two tillage practices (DER+, CT) were assessed in the study sits (Hagereselam and Adigudom). The CA based system derdero+ (DER+) is based on traditional tillage system of bed and furrow using Mahresha with a 30% crop residue. Conventional tillage (CT) is a repeated tillage by the availability of oxen using Mahresha the same to local tillage system. Farmers’ perception about CA-based systems was assessed based on the selected target group. Cost benefit ratio was determined to compare the CA and CT systems. From the selected target group 68.8% of them are still continued CA tillage system with glyphosate application. Farmers who practiced CA-based systems (64%) have appreciated the use of glyphosate to grass and other perennial weed control. Similarly, a Chi-square (x²) test showed that there was a significant difference (P= 0.001) on the perception of farmers. Higher net benefit ($1136 ha^-1) were gained from the DER+ compared to traditional planting system ($362 ha^-1).

Keywords: Farmers’ perception, Glyphosate, weed control