This chapter reviews the status of coffee wilt disease (caused by Gibberella xylarioides), including its occurrence, distribution and importance on arabica coffee in Ethiopia, and highlights some of the factors accelerating the disease and efforts made to contain the problem.

Optimizing irrigation frequency and intra row spacing for specific environment is one the major agronomic practices to improve productivity of haricot bean. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation frequency and intra row spacing on growth, nodulation and agronomic performance of haricot bean at Arba Minch during dry season of 2018/19. The treatments consisted of three levels of irrigation frequency based on IW/CPE ratio (0.5, 0.67 and 1.0) with irrigation depth of 60 mm and three intra row spacing (6, 10 and 14 cm) which were factorially arranged in split plot design with three replications. Data were collected on phenological, nodulation, growth, yield and yield related parameters of the crop. The measured parameters were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software version 9.0. Among the measured parameters, plant height, pod number per plant, dry matter and seed yield were significantly influenced by interaction effect of the treatments. The maximum seed yield (2873.7 kg ha −1 ) was recorded with interaction effect of irrigation at IW/CPE of 1 and intra row spacing of 10 cm. As for economic analysis, the same treatment combination also resulted in the highest net benefit (11254.1 Ethiopian Birr ha −1 ) and marginal rate of return (422.1%). Therefore, it could be concluded that irrigating haricot bean at IW/CPE ratio of 1 and planting at 10 cm intra row spacing could maximize both seed yield and economic benefit of the crop in the study area.

Participatory demonstration of improved maize technologies was conducted in two potential midland districts of Guji Zone in 2019. The main objective of the study was to popularize improved maize variety at midlands of Guji Zone. Two districts were selected based on their potential to grow maize and two peasant associations from each district were selected based on their accessibility. Fifteen farmers of gender inclusive were established as Farmers Research Group (FRG) at each peasant association. Three hosting farmers were nominated based on their consent to provide sufficient and suitable land for experiment. Trainings were given for farmers, development agents and subject matter specialists. An improved maize variety (BH-546) with one commercial variety was planted on selected farmers' land with a plot size of 10 m x 10 m. Recommended seed rate of 25 kg ha-1 with a spacing of 75 cm and 25 cm between rows and plants was used respectively. An inorganic fertilizer rate of 100 kg ha-1 NPS at planting time and 100 kg ha-1 N with split application (50 kg at planting time while 50 kg at knee height stage). Development agents, subject matter specialists and different stakeholders were participated on organized field visit & joint monitoring and evaluation. Field day was organized on which different stakeholders participated and experience was shared. Quantitative data such as yield was collected and analyzed using independent t test whereas farmers' feedbacks were analyzed qualitatively. Knowledge change of the farmers was analyzed using dependent t test. Despite the shortage of rain fall, 3.023 tons ha-1 and 2.662 tons ha-1 for improved BH-546 and commercial maize variety respectively. Therefore, recommended for pre scaling up.

The activity was conducted in Liben district to evaluate the yield performance of improved haricot bean varieties. 25 pastorals and agro pastorals were selected from Measa kebele with collaboration of Liben Pastoral and Agro Pastoral Office, Zonal Mobile Supporting Team and kebele leaders. The 25 pastoral and agro pastorals were grouped into one PAPRG. Then 25 PAPRG members were regrouped into three experimental pastorals and agro pastoralists. Training were given for PAPRG members. Exchange visit was arranged to share experience on the work each PAPRG. Haramaya, Awasa Dume, Ebado varieties were evaluated with standard check variety. Descriptive statistics and direct matrix ranking was used to analysis the data. Local variety give the highest yield (31kg/ha). PAPRG criteria for haricot bean production was market demand, color, disease/insect reaction, drought resistance. Accordingly, Ebado variety was preferred by PAPRGs based on marketability while Local check and Awasa Dube were selected as first and second respectively based on drought resistance, number of pod/plant, higher yield and resistance to insects. Haramaya variety was susceptible to insects. Pastoralists and agro pastoralists should use Ebado variety to increase their income and local variety for household consumption. Contribution/ OriginalityContrary to previous literatures which mostly focused on highland areas this research activity deal with lowland agro pastoral area where agricultural activities challenged by prolonged drought. Most research activities were not indorsed the participation of pastorals and agro pastorals in their research experimentation. This activity, however, emerged from the agro pastorals' problem. Agro pastorals conducted the research on their farm and set preference criteria for haricot bean varieties by themselves.

Irish potato of Gudane variety was proved to be yielder and disease tolerant than any Irish potato varieties which were demonstrated at the study areas. Therefore, cluster based pre scaling up of Irish potato was conducted at two districts of Guji Zone, Bore and Ana Sora in 2019. The main objective of the study was to promote improved Irish potato variety and thereby increase production and productivity and income of the farmers in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies. One peasant association per district was selected based on their potential to produce Irish potato. FREG approach was followed to implement pre scaling up process. Consequently, 12 farmers of gender inclusive were clustered as FREG at each trial sites owing three hectares of land, each farmer contributing 0.25 hectare. In total, 24 farmers (17 male & 7 female were benefited scaling up). Training was given for farmers, Development agents, subject matter specialists and different stakeholders. Recommended seed and fertilizer rates, row between space and plant were used with all management practices. Diffused Light Storages were constructed at both study sites. Joint monitoring and evaluation were organized and undertaken. Field day was also organized on which different stakeholders participated and experience shared. Quantitative data such as yield were collected and analysed using SPSS whereas farmers' feedback were analysed qualitatively. A mean yield of 14.9 tons ha-1 obtained. The technology has paramount importance in improving livelihood of farmers as more yield could be harvested. Hence, Bureaus of Agriculture and Natural Resource of respective districts should hand over to sustain the technology and reach more number of farmers over wider geographical areas of similar agro ecologies. Securing agro chemicals in advance, early planting and construction of Diffused Light Storage are highly recommended.