Pre-Extension Demonstration of Improved Maize Technology at Midland Districts of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

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.

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

“…As a result, Kulani gave the highest yield followed by Gibe-2 while the local variety gave a lower yield compared to both improved maize varieties. This study is consistent with the findings of [11] and [12] who found that improved varieties were significantly higher yielders compared to local checks.…”

“…The calculated technology index percentage of yield advantage of the two OPV (Kulani and Gibe-2) maize varieties showed that they have 73.3 and 65.2% yield advantage over the local variety, respectively (Table 3). This study is similar to the previous findings of [11] and [12] who reported that an improved maize variety had more yield advantage over the local check. Production costs and return from improved OPV maize production were calculated by deducting total cost from total revenue.…”

“…Therefore, the study suggests that using these two improved maize varieties (Kulani and Gibe-2) would increase their production and be economically profitable in the future. This study confirmed the previous findings of [11] who found that an improved maize variety was economically profitable for farmers compared to the commercial variety.…”

Evaluation of the Effects of Herbicides on the Weeds and the Productivity of Hybrids Maize

“…to grow productive food plants, such as maize. In the world, the area of maize and its yield are increasing [1] - [4].…”

“…In order to increase the productivity of plants, it is necessary to apply the latest, improved, scientifically based technological elements, such as mineral fertilizers, hybrids, high-quality seed material, etc. [1]- [2], [4] - [9].…”