Constraints and Opportunities on Production and Utilization of Improved Forages in East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: In the Case of Enebsie Sar Midr District

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objectives of identifying the major constraints and opportunities in the production and utilization of improved forages in East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia (in case of Enebsie Sar Midr District). Data were collected from sampled respondents using single-visit-multiple-subject-formal survey with semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 180 households (HHs); of which 30 HHs in each of the six randomly selected kebeles were selected randomly. Key informants were also used for the purpose of explanation and verification in the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA and least significance difference were carried out using SPSS version 16. The average livestock holding per household in the district was 2.90 tropical livestock unit (TLU) and the existing feed supply cannot satisfy even the maintenance DM requirement of livestock in the three agro-ecologies. Sesbania sesban (Sesbania), Vicia dasycarpa (vetch), Chamaecytisus palmensis (tree lucerne), Avena sativa (oats), and Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass) are developed mainly with the purpose of soil and water conservation (34.55%) and feed (30.63%). Land shortage (31.14%), free grazing (30.58%), input shortage (23.99%), poor extension service (7.76%), attitude (3.50%) and skill gap (3.04) of the farmers were limiting factors for the production and utilization of improved forages. The increasing demands of animal products, the existence of marginal lands, decreasing of free grazing in the district and the need to intensify agriculture and the attention given to the livestock sector at regional and national levels can be opportunities. Livestock is highly constrained from getting year round feed supply and the major feed resources are characterized by poor quality. Improved forages can be important intervention to the limited quantity and quality of feeds because of having limited access of other feed resources like agro-industrial by products and concentrate feeds in and around the study area. Research (on-farm evaluation) on palatability, productivity, adaptability of different improved forages with participation of farmers might be very important. Moreover, forage seed/seedling production at farmers’ level/farmers cooperatives, community based implementation of free grazing policy and research and extension on the use of available marginal lands efficiently can be development interventions for the technology in the study area.

Keywords: constraints, feed resources, household, improved forage crops, opportunities, tropical livestock unit