Participatory Demonstration and Evaluation of Open Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Technologies for Mid-altitude Areas of Western Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

This research activity was conducted in the West Guji zone, Abaya district for two consecutive years (2021 to 2023) to demonstrate and evaluate the productivity and profitability of the improved maize varieties, improve farmers' knowledge and skills, and enhance linkage among relevant stakeholders. Abaya district was selected purposively based on its potentiality for maize production with the district of agricultural office. The research activity was conducted on 10 farmers' fields, with 5 each at two kebeles, Bunnata and Guanga Badiya. Two improved OPV maize varieties (Kulani and Gibe-2) together with the standard local check were planted on a plot size of 10m * 10m (100m 2 ) located adjacently side to side. A recommended seed rate of 25 kg/ha, and spacing of 75 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants, and a fertilizer rate of 100 kg/ha NPS were used. All the agronomic practices were applied equally for the three maize varieties. Yield data was collected and the result indicated that Kulani gave a higher yield (32.4 qt/ha) followed by Gibe-2 (30.9 qt/a) while the lowest yield data was recorded from the local variety (18.7 qt/ha). In terms of the profitability of the demonstrated maize varieties, the financial analysis results show that participants farmers obtained a net profit of 94,891, 89,641, and 37,530 ETB per hectare from Kulani, Gibe-2 and local varieties, respectively, in one production season. Therefore, both the Kulani and Gibe-2 maize varieties were recommended for further scaling up in the Abaya district and areas with similar agroecologies.