Characterization and Analysis of Farming System in Chiro District, West Hararghe Zone

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify and prioritize the production systems and major production constraints of Chiro district. The selection of the kebeles was done purposively based on the agro ecology. For the study, one PRA group in each kebeles was formed composed of male, female and youth group to collect primary data. The main methods used to gather the data were interviews with the district Agricultural office experts, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with selected farmers and reviewing of secondary data from different unpublished sources. Descriptive ways of analysis method were applied using SPSS version 20.  The study was focused on major constraints of crop production, livestock production and natural resource production with respect to all factors of production. The study indicated that major constraints of agricultural production in the area are drought, soil erosion, lack of improved seed, invasive weeds, disease, insect-pests and inadequate feed resources, absence of improved breeds, poor animal health, labor shortages, lack of inputs and market opportunities.

Keywords: Farming system characterization, opportunities, constraints, PRA