Participatory demonstration and evaluation of drought tolerant maize technologies in Daro Lebu, Hawi Gudina and Boke Districts of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Limited access to improved maize seed, late delivery of the available inputs, drought, insects-pests, lack of
agronomics management and diseases are the major challenges facing maize production in Ethiopia. The
experiment was conducted with the objective to demonstrate and evaluate the drought-tolerant maize
varieties under farmers’ conditions. One kebele from each district, seven farmers, and two farmer Training
Centers were used for demonstration and evaluation of maize varieties. Yield, farmers’ preference, number
of participants in training and field day, cost of inputs, and benefits gained were major types of data
collected using group discussion, observation, and counting. The collected data were analyzed using
descriptive and inferential statistics, direct matrix and Garret ranking techniques, and partial budget
analysis. The field day, training, advisory services, and supervision were conducted for the farmers with the
integration of development agents and experts. MH-140 maize variety was high yielder, preferred by the
farmers, and economically profitable than over MH-130 and local check varieties in the study area. Farmers
were also preferred MH-130 variety in terms of early maturity than other varieties. Therefore, it recommended
that both maize varieties (MH-130 and MH-140) for further scaling up in similar agro-ecologies thereby
government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sectors engaged in agriculture in
general and in maize production in particular.