ATARC acheivements booklet

OROMIA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

INSTITUTE

ADAMI TULU AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH CENTER

BOOKLET ON MAJOR

ACHIEVEMENTS

JAN, 2015

ii

OROMIA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

ADAMI TULU AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

BOOKLET ON MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Compiled by: Tesfaye Gemechu

©OARI, Adami Tulu agricultural research center, 2015

iii

Table of Contents

Foreword .................................................................................................. iv

1. Dairy Research Team ......................................................................... 1

2. Meat Research Team Achievements ...................................................... 7

3. Animal Feed Resources and Range Land Management Case Team research achievements .......................................................................................... 19

4. Apiculture Research Team ................................................................. 22

5 Poultry Research Team ........................................................................ 25

6. Horticulture and Spice Research Team ................................................ 28

7. Soil Fertility Improvement and SWC Research Team ............................. 30

8. Irrigation and Water Harvesting Research Team .................................. 36

9. Agroforestry Research Team ............................................................. 38

10. Socio- Economics research Team ....................................................... 44

11. Agricultural Extension research team .................................................. 51

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Foreword

Ethiopian economy in general and agriculture sector in particular are undergoing growth transformation with the vision of middle income country by 2025/2030. This transformation is planned and executed through agriculture led industrialization. Agriculture sector should grow double fold to play this role. This growth requires efficient use of agricultural technologies either developed

or adopted by research institutions. These technologies should be available to the end users in consumable form and quantity. Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center is one of the seventeen centers located in East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State under Oromia Agricultural Research Institute. The center is mandated to develop/generate, adapt and disseminate technologies on livestock, natural resources, crop and socio economic information in East Shoa, West Arsi and neighboring districts of Arsi Zones. It is working

with different stakeholders at regional, national and international levels including projects to ensure development of reliable technologies for the mandate areas.

Information generated from research institutions can reach the users through different media including publications of various forms. This booklet is an effort in this direction by Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center. Relevant information and technologies developed in the past ten years

are included in a summarized way. It can serve as a source of information for investors, farmers, agricultural experts, development agents and others. The center welcomes critics comments and suggestions on this booklet and other works of the center to further improve its service delivery to the farming community. It is our pleasure to contribute as much as we can in realization of the transformation.

Kedir Wako

Center Director, ATARC

1

1. Dairy Research Team

General overview about Dairy Research Team

Dairy research team was established objectively to generate and transfer feasible dairy technologies

by using locally available resources that is coupled with genetic improvements to improve indigenous

livestock productivity and increase household income as well as livelihood of poor farmers. This is

based up on the multifaceted role of livestock in combating rural poverty, and enhancing food security

in terms of quality and quantity as well as it is indispensable tool in agricultural development. In

addition, increasing the availability of nutrients, especially of protein, produced by farm animals is

one of the ways out of poverty and malnutrition prevailing in the country.

So, to attain the designed objectives, attempts have been made for the last few years through

performance evaluation of some of the indigenous breeds (particularly Borana) and their crosses

with selected temperate breeds (Holstein Friesian, and Jersey) at Adami Tullu Agricultural Research

Center. As the result, the performance of indigenous cattle, Borana was found to be low for milk yield

and growth rate with short lactation length.

However, milk yield increased by 3-4 folds, growth rate and lactation lengths improved from their

crosses with exotic breeds. From on-station performance evaluation of crossbred cows with different

exotic blood levels, Borana crosses with 50-62.5% exotic blood levels with their management

package were recommended to be suitable for Ethiopian smallholder farmers. Recently, after

Business process Reengineering (BPR) at regional and national level, Oromia cattle breeding strategy

was developed without put of developing synthetic breed by crossing local Arsi cattle with Holetein

Fresina in Adami Tulu Research Center. Since 2005 the synthetic breed development is on progress.

In general, the following technologies were generated in the last five years (1997-2006).

1.1. Achievement attained from the production of Jersey x Borena heifers

The performance of F1 Jersey X Borana was evaluated both at on station and on-farm condition and

encouraging results were obtained.

On-station Achievements

Breed produced: Jersey X Borana

Blood level: 50%

Daily milk yield: 5.9 liter

Lactation milk yield: 1793 liter

Butter fat content: 6.2%

Mean birth weight and weaning

weight: 21.41, 131kg

Calving interval: 708 days

2

On-farm Achievement

Depending up on the on station results, F1 Jersey x Borena crossbred heifers were demonstrated

and evaluated around Adami Tulu and Adama districts. As a result encouraging results were observed

and crossbred animals were much preferred by most of the farmers as evidenced during on farm

performance evaluation and impact assessment. According to the result the onfarm performance

shows the breeds having

- Daily milk yield: 6.02 lt

- Lactation length: 371.86lt

- Lactation yield: 2245.66lt

Results obtained

Awareness was created on improved dairy management and record keeping system through intensive

training and production and distribution of extension materials and Farmers’ feeding system was also

improved

Pic.3. Reproductive management Milk yield measuring and recording

3

Housing Under farmers’ management condition

Economic viability of keeping F1 Jersey x Borena crosses under farmers’ level

From the first lactation economic study, it is grasped that keeping of F1 JXB is viable. By investing

a Birr of production cost, farmers have got 0.20 birr profit, without including fixed cost. Farmers

have incurred 0.38 birr to generate one birr of gross income.

Impacts from dairy technology adoption

House hold income of the farmers

increased from selling of milk

Income from sale of milk contributed to house construction.

Sofa purchased from sell of milk from her F1 Jersey x Borena crossbred cow

Income generated from milk sale is used to purchase agricultural input (fertilizer) Tape recorder purchased from sale of F1

milk

Spring foam as a result of improved F1

4

B. Achievement attained from the production of Holstein Frisian x Borena heifers

On station performance

Breed produced: Holstein-Friesian X Borana

Blood level: 50%

Fig. Holstein-Friesian X Borana

On farm achievement

Currently, on farm performance evaluation and demonstration of F1 Holstein Friesian x Borana at

Adami Tullu, Lume and around Adama districts is underway.

Around Adami Tulu, 77 Holstein Friesian x Borana pregnant heifers were dispatched for 7 dairy

cooperative groups so as to demonstrate alternative approach of enhancing household income and

livelihood of resource poor farmers living around Adami Tulu district through introduction of

integrated and improved dairy technologies. Farmers are now earning income from sale of milk and

extra male calves

Yield performance

- Daily milk yield: 6.6 liter

- Lactation milk yield: 2002

liter

- Butter fat content: 5.5%

- Mean Birth weight: 26.29kg

- Mean Weaning: 151kg

- Calving interval: 462days

5

Around Adama and lume districts, 8 HF x Borena pregnant heifers for each district were dispatched

following the establishment of a total of 4 FRG to participatory evaluation of dairy technologies.

Farmers aware of improved dairy management system and dairy record keeping

Capacity building was given to the participants

Sample of constructed dairy house status of the animal under farmer level

C. Performance of lactating cross bred cows under treated straw

The activity was conducted at Arsi Nagele in areas where altitude is about 2100mm asl. Crossbred

cows fed urea treated wheat straw could give 10.18 lit milk per day indicating that treating wheat

straw with urea improves nutritional value and palatability of the straw.

D. Improved plastic pot churner

Efforts have been made to improve the traditional milk processing system which is characterized by

laborious, energy consuming and time taking. Accordingly, remarkable achievements had been

attained regarding holding back the drawback of the traditional milk processing method

Fig. Milk churner

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Amount of butter recovered from different volume of fermented of milk at different degree of

agitation in 20 liter plastic pot.

Degree of

agitation

Fermented

milk

churned

Fermented

milk pH

To of milk Room

To

Time

taken

Recovery

30o 10 lit. 4.5 22 oC 24.3 oC 50min 568 gm

50 o 4 lit 4.35 20 oC 24oC 20min 161.79gm

50 o 8 lit. 4.7 22 oC 24 oC 30min 467 gm

50 o 10 lit. 4.8 21 oC 24 oC 40min 570 gm

Since the efficiency of the churner depends on the temperature, degree of agitation (high degree of

agitation reduces churning time) and extent of filling the churner (filling the churner to more than

an half the capacity of the volumetric capacity increases churning time) it is recommended that small

holder farmers can efficiently utilize the 50o, 10 litter volumetric capacity plastic pot for churning in

the area (Adami Tulu).

F) Wooden stand and metal stand animal feed chopper

Feeding management is one of the important management practices. To reduce feed wastage,

palatability and consumption of roughage feeds, a wooden stand and metal stand animal feed

chopper was developed. The technology was evaluated both on-station and on-farm and was seen

to improve feed intake by 27.5 kg per animal.

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2. Meat Research Team Achievements

Goals of the team is:

To enhance and sustain meat production potential so as to satisfy local and international demands and

generate foreign currency through export of live animals and meat products.

Objectives

The general objective of meat research program is to generate and transfer technology that would

increase meat output at regional and national level by improving the production and productivity of small

ruminant and beef cattle using the available resources and increase the contribution of this sector to the

social and economic development of the country in general and Oromia in particular.

Specific objectives are:

To characterize the indigenous breeds of cattle and manage the different genotypes with

appropriate husbandry intervention, in order to optimize meat production.

Improve the efficiency with which existing conventional and non-conventional feed resources

are utilized to improve meat production.

Increase meat productivity and improve the income and living standard of smallholder farmers

through the control of economically important animal diseases.

Improve meat and meat by-products handling and processing methods.

Identify beef production problems, verify and evaluate beef technologies at on-farm which in-

turn will help to facilitate the formation and implementation of appropriate policies for beef

production.

Establish proper research-extension farmer relationship and disseminate available technologies

to the ultimate users

Opportunities

With vast areas, Oromia region have suitable climate and promising geographical location for

livestock production. As a results, the region accounts for the largest share of the national

livestock resources.

To this reality, of the total livestock population in the country, the region account for 41% of

the cattle (22.4 million), 34% of sheep (8.7 million), 32% of goats (7.6 million), 29% of camels

(264,175) and 38% poultry of (18.9 million)

Interest groups which are linked and associated with the livestock value chains such as:

Livestock traders

Transporters

Slaughter facilities/processors

Feed manufacturers

Government, (veterinary/animal husbandry departments)

Local authorities and veterinary drug suppliers, etc. who generate employment opportunities.

Multiplier effect of meat production, suggesting that value added and processing of beef into

assorted meat products creates more jobs, followed by livestock feeds and dairy products.

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The implications are that lack of value added actually promotes joblessness and poverty.

This strongly suggests that a well-developed livestock value chain would be in a position to

contribute significantly to attainment of Agricultural Growth and Transformation Program(AGTP)

and Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving extreme poverty by 2015 with job creation

and income generation through improved value added.

10 years Research Achievements of the Meat research Team

A. Research achievements on cattle

Because of their large number and diversified products, cattle are said to contribute more to the national

economy than any other livestock species. They provide about 45% of all domestic meat consumption,

with a small surplus, which generates export income mainly from the sale of live animals. The low beef

production of our country, is generally associated directly with under-nutrition and mal-nutrition, poor

genetic potential, poor husbandry practices and prevalence of disease whereas, lack of proper fattening

system before selling and low financial return for poor body condition contributed indirectly to the low

level of beef production in the country. Accordingly, research in beef cattle has to play its role through

generation of technologies and policy ideas which help to increase off-take as well as productivity per

animal in order to increase beef output at a national level. To this end, numerous research efforts were

made by Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center. The major achievements are highlighted as follows

and their important details are summarized

Research activities and achievements

1. Fattening Borana Bulls Using Concentrate Feeds and Rhodes Grass

The result of the feeding of Borana bulls at deferent age group is shown in the table below.

Breed

Ration Level of feeding DWG (kg) Duration

(days)

Profit ETB

BO bull 2yrs RGH+WB+NK+salt Adlib RGH+4kgcon. 0.56

90 310.13

Bo bulls 4yrs RGH+WB+NK+salt Adlib RGH+4kgco 0.81

90 760.93


90 476.20


90 584.60

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2. Draught Oxen Fattening Using Noug(Guizotia abyssinica) Meal and Teff (Eragrostis

teff) Straw

Performance

The performance of Arsi breed aged 7-8 years at Adami Tulu Agricultural research center as indicated

in the table below attain 0.52kg average daily weight gain and 344.24 net ETB profit with in 90 of

fattening period. The same result can obtained under similar condition.

Breed Ration Level DWG (kg) Duration Profit ETB

Arsi Ox 7-8yrs TS + NK 4.80 kg straw+ 2kg NK 0.52 90days 344.24

3. Fattening Using Urea Molasses Block and Concentrate supplementation.

Performance

Arsi bull under the above management condition will have 0.58kg average daily weight gain per day

and the profitability depends on the costs incurred to fatten the animal and the current final price of

the animal. The same result can be obtained under similar condition.

Breed Ration Level DWG

(kg)

Duration Profit ETB

Arsi bulls 2years Gzig + MUB+

Conc.

Grazing + MUB ad lib +

2.0 kgconc.

0.58 120 195.8

4. Fattening using noug seed cake (NSC) and haricot bean straw (HBS)

Performance

The performance of Borana x Jersey cross bulls aged 2 years can attain 0.53kg average daily weight

gain under the above management condition and the profit can be depends on the amount of cost

incurred and the final price the fattened animals depending on the season of fattening. The same

result can be obtained under similar condition.


Borana x Jersey

bull 2years

HBS + NSC adlib HBS + 1kg NSC 0.53 94 435.00

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5. Fattening using linseed cake (LSC) and haricot bean straw (HBS)

Performance

The performance of Borana x Jersey cross bulls aged 2 years can attain 0.7kg average daily weight

gain under the above management condition and the profit can be depends on the amount of cost

incurred and the final price of the fattened animals depending on the season of fattening. The same

result can be obtained under similar condition.


Borana x Jersey bull

2years

HBS + LSC 3kg HBS + 1kg LSC 0.7 94 327.00

6. Fattening Using Concentrate Supplementation and Maize Stover

Performance

The performance of crossbreed Zebu bulls aged 1.5-2.5 years can attain 0.94kg average daily weight

gain per day under the above management condition and the profit can be depends on the amount

of cost incurred and the final price of the fattened animals depending on the season of fattening. The

same result can be obtained under similar condition.


(kg)

Duration Profit ETB

Crossbreed(5/8

Friesian 3/8 Zebu )

1.5-2.5yreas

MS + Conc. Adlib MS + 3kg

Conc.

0.94 120

7. Fattening Using Urea treated Maize Stover and Concentrate Supplementation.

Performance


(kg)

Duration Profit ETB

Arsi Ox 7-8yrs UTMS +

concentrate

Adlip UTMS + 2kg WB

+ 1kg NSc

0.59 90days 1024.91

8. Cattle fattening technologies using different feeding options for export markets Feeding option or feeding technologies:

Grazing + molasses (20%) + wheat bran (40%) +Noug seed cake (40%) Grazing + maize grain (20%) + wheat bran (45%) + Noug cake (35%)

Grazing + wheat bran (65%) + cotton seed cake (35%)

All feeding and health care management is the same

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Body weight changes

Animal performance on three feeding technologies

Parameter Feeding option I Feeding option II Feeding option III

IBW 128kg 129kg 128kg

ADG (g) 0.771kg 0.801kg 0.740kg

TWG (kg) 118kg 123kg 113kg

FBW (kg) 302kg 307kg 298kg

Carcass parameters

There are similar DWG, TWG, FBW and carcass parameters in all the feeding technologies.

Therefore beef cattle fatteners/feedlot operators, exporters, farmers, and private investor

can use one of the three feeding options based on their availability in the local markets

Final Body condition

Initial Body condition

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9. Urea treated wheat straw based cattle fattening technologies

Technology: Urea treated wheat straw ad libitum + 3kg concentrate/hd/day

Animals’ performance:

Duration three months:

No. AIBW AFBW ATWG ADWG

Sites 295 341kg 46kg 0.51gm

The performance of Arsi-Oxen were better on urea treated straw than untreated straw

The finding in this study was almost similar with finding of fattening Arsi- oxen using urea

treated maize Stover and urea treated wheat straw in the center.

Urea application rate of 5kg/100kg of dry forage recommended and can be used with

success in practical situation

Therefore urea treated is best feed option during dry season in area where wheat

straw is commonly used.

B. Small Ruminant Research Technologies for scale up/out

Importance of goats compared to large ruminants

To their owner goats are invaluable source of meat, milk and cash income. Basically, they are

commonly slaughtered at around yearling age when their body weights are about 15-20 kg. This

accounts for approximately 15% of all domestic meat consumption

They are relatively cheap and are often the first asset, through purchase or customary

means, by a young or by a poor family recovering from a disaster such as drought or war

Goats produces at an early age and has more young than cattle

They produce manageable amount of meat, milk, skins and fiber for sale or family

consumption

They have an ability to survive on low quality foods or in difficult conditions on relatively

small amounts of food

They reduce risks of losses to owners by being cheaper to replace; and they are more readily

available

Goats efficiently utilizes and has high conversion efficiency. This indicates that feeding

management is the first and foremost consideration in the management of animals in order

to ensure better productivity and profitability. In this regard, a good practical feeding

strategy at growing stage would aim at ensuring a reasonably high growth rate and to ensure

early maturity.

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Research activities and achievements

1. Concentrate based fattening of Arsi-Bale growing kids

Objectives: To bring the goats to the slaughter body weight at earlier ages, efficiently utilize of the

scarce resources and increase income from the sectors

Fattening performance and economic return

Parameters Descriptions

Breed Arsi-Bale goat kids

Age of the animal Weaned kids(4-6 months)

Feeds used Grazing plus concentrate supplementation

Level of supplement 450g/day concentrate

Duration of feeding 3 months

Average daily weight gain 79.08 g/d

Total weight gain 6.6kg

Growth performance 18 kg of body weight at 7th week of the feeding period

Economic return 27.30 ETB/animal

NB: Without any supplement the average daily weight gain (ADG) was 7.94g/day2. Year when this

technology generated was 2003

2. By- pass protein based (formaldehyde treated noug seed cakes) fattening technologies

for Borana Somali and Arsi-Bale goats

Introduction

Protection of proteins by treating with formaldehyde (HCHO) is a well-accepted method of reducing

the rate of rumen degradation. This method results with an efficient utilization of protein in the lower

tract which otherwise degraded in the upper tract and resulted with an efficient utilization of nitrogen

which is an important nutrients in the feeding of ruminant animals.

Objective of technology

To efficiently utilize scarce resources, exploit the growing potential of goats and increasing income

Fattening performance and economic return Borana-Somali goats


Breed Borana goat kids

Age of the animal Weaned kids(4-6 months) Feeds used Grazing plus treated noug seed cake + wheat bran supplementation

Level of supplement 2.5% of body weight

Duration of feeding 2 months Average daily weight gain 150g/day

Carcass weight 13.5kg

Economic return 65- 80 ETB/h/ 60days

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3 Fattening performance of Arsi-Bale goats

4. Linseed cake supplement based goats fattening technology

Introduction

One of the byproduct in Ethiopia which is more widely available around the world than noug cake is

linseed (Linum asitatissimum) meal. Linseed meal is moderate in Crude protein; however, protein

is less thoroughly degraded in the rumen and the Nitrogen detergent fiber concentration is lower

compared with noug cake. Oilseed meals high or moderate in crude proten are typically mixed with

other byproducts lower in crude protein such as wheat bran.

Thus, an approach which is frequently taken is to include one or more types of supplements with

different ingredient composition.

Objectives

To efficiently utilize of scarce resources, exploit the growing potential of goats and crate awareness

for end users

Ration formulation



Age of the animal Yearling

Feeds used Grazing plus treated noug seed cake supplementation



Initial body weight 14.98kg

Average daily weight gain 118g/d


Growth performance (final weight) 21.92 kg body weight at 60 day feeding period

Economic return 51.1ETB/h/60 days

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Fattening Performance and economic return

5. Forage Based Feeding of Arsi –Bale Goats

Objectives:

To minimize cost of feeding

To maintain body weight of goats during critical feed shortage

Performance of the animals


Breed Arsi-Bale growing kids


Feeds used Grazing plus linseed supplementation




Average daily weight gain 134g/d


Growth performance (final weight) 22.5 kg body weight at 60 day feeding period

Economic return 79.75ETB/h/60 days



Age of the animal 15-18months

Feeds and feeding Browsing plus lablab hay

Feed intake 153.8g/h/d

Duration of feeding 100days

Average daily weight gain 65.1g/h/d

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6. Feeding management of leucaena leucocephala

The leucaena leucocephala will be cultivated. Since it is tree legumes and perennial crop it will be

harvested and conserved in the form of hay for feeding of goats


7. Feeding value of fresh Cajans Cajan for Arsi-Bale goats

The Cajans Cajan will be cultivated. Since it is tree legumes and perennial crop it will be harvested

and conserved in the form of hay for feeding of goats.




Age of the animal 4-6 months

Feeds and feeding Browsing plus fresh leucaena

Feed intake 130g/h/d




Final body weight 17.2kg



Age of the animal 4-6 months

Feeds and feeding Browsing plus fresh cajanas cajan

Feed intake 128g/h/d





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8. Fattening of Arsi-Bale goats using sweet potato vines to concentrate

Animal performance

9. Technology on effects of Castration of Arsi-Bale goats

Backgrounds and justification

Castration in goat has an advantage of eliminating the strong male odor present in bucks.

Early castration has much greater effect on carcass quality especially on marbling degree than has

latter castration and male kids not required for breeding should be castrated at early ages. The

technology mainly used for local consumers.

All males not wanted for breeding should be castrated

Methods of castration




Feeds used Grazing + 50% sweet potato vine + 50% concentrate of

supplemental daily ration

Way of feeding Chopping vines and mixing it with concentrate or alone


Duration of feeding 132 days


Average daily weight gain 56.34g/d




Using Burdizzo

Elastrator ring

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Animals performance



Recommended age of castration 3 months

Feeds used Grazing + concentrate

Level of supplement 200-450g/d/h

Duration of experiment 15 months


Average daily weight gain 63.67g/d




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3. Animal Feed Resources and Range Land Management Case Team

research achievements

Introduction Animal Feed Resources and Rangeland Management Research Team has been established for the

purpose of generating new technologies, adaptation of the existing technologies, demonstration and

popularization of forage, range and animal feed technologies. This team has three sub divisions. i.e.

Forage, Range land and Animal Nutrition. Feed shortage both in quantity and quality is the main

problem in the area. Livestock mainly depend on natural pastures and crop residues. These feeds

are also less in quantity and quality. So there is a need of improving these feeds and additionally

introducing new forage varieties. That is why this team has been established.

Objectives:

To generate, adapt and demonstrate animal feed technologies to the end user

1. Adapted Forage Crop Varieties There are a number of forage crop varieties adapted to the area. It includes perennial grasses, perennial legumes (herbaceous and tree), biennial legumes annual legumes recommended for East Shoa and West Arsi zones (Mid Rift Valley).

Table1. List of adapted forage crops of different varieties recommended for rift valley area

Forage crops Species Fresh herbage

t/ha/yr

Yield (DM)

tone /ha/yr

Perennial Grasses

Pennisetum purpurum 110 9.2

Chloris gayana 21 5.2

Cenchrus Ciliaries - 6

Perennial legumes

(herbaceous)

Medicago sativa FG801 - 8.2

Medicago sativa FG10-09 - 10.6

Medicago sativa FG-9-09 - 10.2

Medicago sativa FG-788 - 9.1

Luceanea lucocephala - 7.6-10

Pigeon pea 12.5 7.5

Biennial legumes Lablab purporeous 14.5 5.3

Annual legumes

Cow pea 87D -1802 29 -

Cow pea TVU 1142 4 26.7 -

Cow pea IT 82D 889 26.8 -

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2. Forage seed production and multiplication through FRG

The supply of seed to farmers is the primary problem for forage production and development. It was

mainly supplied to farmers by government as well non-government organizations (NGOs) in

unsustainable manner. As an alternative option to this, the Adami Tulu agricultural research centre

in collaboration with JICA undertook participatory community based forage seed production study

using farmer research group (FRG) trough rain fed and irrigation in Adami Tulu and Arsi-Negale

districts. Generally, 10-13 farmers at Arsi-Negale and 9-14 farmers in Adami Tulu were involved in

the project and the main forage species used were Lablab, Napier grass, Alfalfa, Cowpea, Cajanus

and Vetch (Arsi-Negale). It was learned that farmers are capable of producing forage seeds and sold

the forage seeds at a price of 25-40ETB/kg which contributed substantially to their income. With the

money they got, some farmers bought water pumps, constructed houses, bought household

equipments like radios. It is recommended that farmers better organize themselves in the form of

cooperatives, have a shop in the town, reduce the prices of forge seeds for larger dissemination

among the farming community and have dual purpose in forage production (increased livestock

production and seed production).

3. Scaling up of proved technologies Scaling up was conducted with two proven technologies in two zones (East Shoa and West Arsi)

3.1 Scaling up of crop residue treatment and UMB technologies Scaling up of this technology was conducted in three kebeles: Kersa ilala, D/abijata & A/shisho.

Overall, 180 farmers were trained and benefited from these technologies through fattening Arsi oxen.

On average each farmer raised a profit of 500 to 5000 ETB/year

Photo: Maize Stover before treatment Photo: Urea treated maize stover

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3.2. Scaling up of improved grass /legume forage in East Shoa zone

Scaling up of improved grasses were performed in one Kebele, Desta abjata of Adami Tulu district

and Gidera kebele of Fentale district. Twenty kg of Rhodes grass were distributed for 15 farmers

which covers 1.052 hectare of land in total. Farmers were producing seeds and forage from this area.

Napier grass cuttings and Rhodes grass were given to 22 farmers established in group. These forages

were sown on 2ha of land for Napier grass and one hectare of land is for Rhodes grass. After

establishing these forage a kind of preservation as silage for Napier grass and hay for Rhodes grass

were demonstrated for farmers by using ASAREACA project.

Photo: Rhodes grass hay and seed production at Desta Abjata

Demonistration of silage making from scaling up of Napier grass at Gidara district of Fentale

district

Demonstration of hay making from scaling up of Napier grass at Gidara district of Fentale

district

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4. Apiculture Research Team

Apiculture technology generating and delivery team has been undertaken different research activities

including testing and introducing of improved bee technologies, situation analysis on beekeeping

activities, identification of major constraints and opportunities of honey production and adaptation

trial of different improved bee forages

Mission of the team: To see farmers’ livelihood improved and income through developing,

generating and popularizing improved bee technologies in mid rift valley of Ethiopia

Vision of the team: The vision of apiculture research case team is to improve honey production

and productivity through improved bee technologies and poverty reduction in mid rift valley of

Ethiopia.

1. Evaluation of Transitional and Modern Hives for Honey Production in Mid Rift Valley of

Ethiopia

The trail was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha and Arsi Negele districts to evaluate the

productivity performance of transitional and modern bee hives. Average honey production in the

study area was 6.08kg from traditional hive, 13.88kg from transitional hive and 23.18kg from

modern hive. The result obtained indicated that in the study area, utilization of modern and

transitional hives was found to double otherwise triple honey production as compared to the average

honey production of traditional bee hive.

Table 1: The average of honey yield obtained from traditional, transitional and modern hives/year

Transitional hive Modern hive Traditional hive

Sites Mean yield (in kg) Mean yield (in kg) mean yield (in kg)

ATARC 13.21a 23.18a 6.08a

Asebo 13.88a 21.61b 5.94a

Ashoka Lepis 10. 45b 18.45c 4.94a

LSD (5%) 2.0051 2.17 2.03

SE(±) 0.60 0.79 0.50

CV (%) 9.54 4.57 4.01

Over all mean 12.51 21.08 5.65

23

2. Comparative Study on the Adaptation of Selected Herbaceous Bee Forages in Mid Rift

Valley of Ethiopia

The trail was conducted in Adami Tulu, Arsi Negele and Sheshamene districts with the objective of

testing the adaptation performance and potential of herbaceous plants as feed rsource for honey

bees. Seven herbaceous plant species including: Becium grandiflorum, Sinaps alba, phacelia,

lenorous, Echuin vulgaris, Aschaenomene uniflora pittweed and Sweet clover were evaluated under

rain fall condition. Among of these species, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Bacium grandflorum and

Aschynomene uniflorum had good performance and recommended as best honeybee forages.

Table 1: list of well adapted and recommended improved honeybee forages

No Species Germination

date

Blooming

date

FIB/min FIB/5mi

n

Flower

color

Source

1 Phacelia

tanacetifolia

25 94 1.7 38 Pink HBRC

2 Bacium

grandflorum

25 57 12.3 31 Pink HBRC

3 Aschynomene

uniflorum

28 112 10 18 Yellow Ornamental

garden flower

FIB: Foraging Intensity of bees

3. Participatory rural appraisal investigation on beekeeping activities in mid rift valley of

Ethiopia

The trail was conduct in Arsi Negelle and Sheshamene districts with the objective of identifying major

beekeeping challenges and opportunities in the area. The major constraints to beekeeping activity

identified in the study area were: Shortage of honeybee forage, shortage of honeybee colonies,

agrochemical poisoning, and availability of honeybee enemies such as ants, honey badger, bee-eater

birds, wax moth, spider and beetles. Despite of the constraints encountered this sub sector; there

are also future opportunities for beekeeping development in the area still exist due to high demand

for hive products and development policy attention from the government as one of the strategies to

reduce poverty.

4. Study of honey production system in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district in mid rift

valley of Ethiopia

The trail was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district with the objective of identifying major

beekeeping constraints and opportunities in the area. The study result indicated that, around 98%

beekeepers of the study area keep bee still in traditional way except little intervention with improved

beekeeping practices. However, there is opportunity of improving this activity and farmers also have

interest to improve beekeeping practices in the area. Modern box hives were managed very poorly

and distributed to beekeepers without accessories. Majority of honey produced sold at home for

weeding and other cultural ceremony. The major constraints of honey production identified in the

study area were: Lack of bee equipments (like modern hives, casting mold, frame wires), bee

24

equipment accessories, high rate of colony absconding, poisoning of bees by agro chemicals, lack

of appropriate honey processing materials, lack of skilled manpower, limited beekeeping training for

farmers and experts, poor pre and post-harvest management of honey, lack of appropriate honey

containers, pests and predators, shortage of bee forage and water, low productivity of colonies and

lack of attention from concerned body to improve the traditional beekeeping system. Despite of these

challenges, there is opportunity of improving this activity and farmers also have interest to improve

beekeeping practices in the area.

25

5 Poultry Research Team

Vision: To see food secured and market oriented surplus poultry producers. Mission: Improving the production and productivity of poultry sector through generating, adapting and disseminating compatible technology for the target stakeholders.

Goal: Improving the production and productivity of poultry through generating and transferring appropriate poultry technologies. Major achievements

1. Effect of dietary energy and protein combination on egg production performance of

Fayoumi chickens

Objective - To identify dietary energy and protein requirement for layers Fayoumi chickens in mid-rift

valley of Ethiopia.

Starting Year: 2011 Expected year to be completed: 2014 Status: Completed Summary of the result Table1 - Compositions of feed ingredients used in experimental diets (% on DM basis)

Feed stuff Treatment (T)

1 2 3 4

Maize 24.00 17.50 32.10 28.80 Fish meal 2.50 1.20 5.10 3.50 Wheat bran 71.50 79.30 60.80 65.70

Limestone 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Salt 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Layers premix 1.00 1.00 1.00 100 Total 100 100 100 100

Crude protein (CP)% 14 14 16 16

ME (Kcal/kg diet) 3322 2992 3322 2992

Table 2 Nutritional compositions of experimental diets used in layers Fayoumi chickens rearing

T DM% MM% CF% Fat% Ca% P% CP% ME(kcal/DM

1 89.83 7.05 5.56 2.71 0.92 0.88 14 3322

2 89.93 6.70 10.11 3.75 0.55 0.90 14 2992 3 89.33 10.33 8.61 4.09 0.74 0.89 16 3322 4 89.86 6.83 9.01 3.73 1.11 0.87 16 2992

Table3. Feed intake, egg production and egg weight, shell thickness, yolk color score (Mean ± SD) of Fayoumi chickens reared using different protein and energy combination

T Feed intake (g)

Egg production within six months

Egg Weight (g)

Shell weight (g)

Shell thickness (mm)

Yolk color score

1 89±9.5b 47 ±10.1c 39.5±2.2b 4.75±0.45a 0.29±0.04a 1.62±0.62a 2 102.7±10.6a 44 ±9.14c 37.89±3.57b 4.38±0.53b 0.29±0.04a 1.45±0.50a

3 87±8.1b 67±11.6a 41.32±3.8a 4.78±0.52a 0.30±0.03a 1.77±0.73a 4 89±9.6b 53±9.4b 38.26±3.84b 4.56±0.55ab 0.31±0.04a 1.6±0.72a

26

Table4. Partial budget analysis of of Fayoumi chickens reared using different protein and energy

combinations

Partial budget cost Treatments (T)

1 2 3 4

Total feed consumed in six months, kg/chick 16.02 18.36 15.66 16.02 Total feed cost(ETB) 48.93 55.58 52.73 52.21

Cost of Vaccine, Medicine and Disinfectant(ETB) 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Cost of construction pen(Mish wire, poles and Bedding

material/teff straw/) (ETB)

35.00 35.00 35.00 35.00

Total variable cost(TVC) (ETB) 95.93 102.58 99.73 99.21

Cost of total eggs laid(GR)(ETB) 117.50 110.00 167.00 132.50

NR (GR-TVC) 21.57 7.42 67.27 33.29

Conclusion

Ration with 16% CP and 3322 kcal/DM metabolizable energy formulated from locally available feed resources such as maize, Fish meal wheat bran, layers premix, limestone and salt) reduced feed cost by three fold and increased net income by four fold compared to the commercial feed using and a good option for farmers.

27

2. Introduction and on-station performance Evaluation of koekoek chickens

Objectives:

To study Adaptability and performance of koekoek chicken in semi-arid area Starting Year: 2013 Expected year to be completed: 2015 Status: Ongoing

Interim result Evaluation of koekoek chikens using commercial feed at Adami Tulu Research center

Parameters Record

Daily feed intake (g/head/day) 110-130

Annual egg production (count) 200

Age at 40% egg laying (months) 5

Weight of hen at five month (kg) 1.8

Weight of cock at five months 2.7

Egg weight (g) 51

Mortality (%) <5

Comparison with previously introduced fayoumi and local chickens

No Characteristics Chicken breds

Kokoek Fayoumi Local

1 Purpose Dual (egg and meat)

Egg Dual (egg and meat)

2 Starts egg laying(in months) 5 5 7

3 Egg production potential /year 200 159 40-60

4 Weight of egg 51 44 38

5 Color of the egg Brown shelled white white

6 Meat production potential Excellent Can be used Can be used

7 Adaptability to hot environments Well adapted Well adapted Well adapted

8 Resistance to diseases Resistant Resistant Resistant

Data remain to collect Internal egg qualities parameters But hatchability (%) Data analysis and write up

28

6. Horticulture and Spice Research Team

The Team Background

Horticulture Research team(then horticulture research Division) was established in 2003. Mainly to

conduct research improvement of horticulture & spice crops in the low land districts of West Arsi &

East Shoa zones. Since then many research projects were proposed on various issues related

problems on horticultural and spice crops in mid rift valley areas. Some adaptable horticultural crop

varieties for ecologies of East Shoa and west Arsi were identified.

Vision:

To see food secured, market oriented surplus producers and livelihood improved community in

Oromia.

Mission:

Improve the production and productivity of agricultural sector on sustainable basis through

generating, adapting and disseminating feasible technologies for target stake holders while

considering the conservation and management of the natural resource base of the mandate area.

Goals:

Improved production and productivity of spice crops through introduction, adaptation, generation &

promotion of environmentally safe, economically feasible & sustainable technologies for small &large

scale production in West Arsi & East Shoa zones.

Objectives:

To release horticulture & spice technologies that leads to high yield, stable & resistant and/or

tolerant to biotic & abiotic stresses.

To see the adaptability of released varieties & recommend in the areas where they adapted.

To multiply the breeder seeds of released varieties in the pipelines for the purpose of

maintenance or for future use.

Horticulture & spice research case team conducts research in the following major crops: Coriander,

Black cumin, Onions, Irish potatoes , Sweet potatoes ,Tomato, Cassava, Hot pepper, Water melon,

Head cabbage , Banana, and Asparagus.

Horticulture and Spice Research team Achievements

So far different achievements have been obtained in the previous horticultural crops division and in the present fruit,vegetable and spice research team in different vegetables in the team. Accordingly the following achievements have been obtained and recommended. The following table describes varieties so far recommened.

28

Table: diffferent technologies recommened by Horticulture research team

Crop type Variety name Component year Location Yield qt/ha

Onion

adptation

Bombey Red Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 345.8

Nasic Red Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 310.9

Melkam Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 307

Onion

Spacing

Nasic 1.5mx1m x4cm 2009 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 350.26±66

Bombey Red 1.5mx1m x6cm 2009 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 201.96±50

Adama Red 1.5mx1m 4cm 2009 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 192.21±38

Tomato adaptation Roma-VF Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 476.88

malkashola Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 456.4

malkasalsa Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 406.91

Tomato seedling

management

Malka shola

4red ash ,3course sand, 2termite tomb and

1fermented cow dung

2008 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 477±83

Tomato spacing Malka shola 4(40x30cm) 2009 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 685.10

Irish potato

adaptation

Gera Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 388.8

Genet Adaptation 2007 A/T/J/K and Similar agro-ecologies. 280.5

Sweat potato

adaptation

Belella Adaptation 2007 Arsi Nagalle, ATJK and Boset districts 272

Falaha Adaptation 2007 Arsi Nagalle, ATJK and Boset districts 257

Koka - 6 Adaptation 2007 Arsi Nagalle, ATJK and Boset districts 231

Sweat potato plant

density

Belella 20 X 60cm 2009 Anano 725.6

Bareda 20 X 60cm 2009 Anano 422.6

Sweat potato

evaluation and

selection

Belella Adaptation 2007 Anano ,Edo kontola 370.2

Bareda Adaptation 2007 Anano , Edo kontola 280.8

Falaha Adaptation 2007 Anano , Edo kontola 262.7

Guntute Adaptation 2007 Anano , Edo kontola 251.0

Groundnut evaluation NC-343 Adaptation 2009 Atarc,Dugda and Shalla 36.92

W-962 Adaptation 2009 Atarc,Dugda and Shalla 35.53

W-961 Adaptation 2009 Atarc,Dugda and Shalla 34.35

Roba Adaptation 2009 Adami tulu 62.45

Soil and Seed

Treatment on Onion

and tomato

solarization and seed treatment with apron star is

highly recommended.

2012 Onion and tomato growing areas -

Sweet potato Belela Adaptation 2012 ATJK, Ar/ negele and boset 39.61, 30.3 and 19.1

Bareda Adaptation 2012 ATJK, Ar/ negele and boset 31.78, 27.6, and 11.9

29

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROCESS

MAJOR RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROCESS INTRODUCTION Natural resource Management research process is one of the research processes in Adam Tullu Agricultural Research Center. It comprises three research teams namely Soil fertility improvement and soil and water conservation, Irrigation and Water harvesting and Agroforestry research teams.

This process was officially established in 2010 G.C with Objective of generating and disseminating natural resource management and conservation technologies that aimed to improve production and productivity of the land in west arsi and east shoa zones of oromia. GOAL: - To improve production and productivity through generating and transferring appropriate Agricultural technologies.

MISSION:-Improve production and productivity of Agricultural sector on sustainable basis through generating, adapting and disseminating compatible technologies for target stakeholders while considering the conservation of natural resource base of the west arsi and east shoa zones. VISSION:-To see food secured and market oriented surplus producers and livelihood improved community in Oromia.

30

7. Soil Fertility Improvement and SWC Research Team

1. Achievements on soil fertility management

1.1 On-farm evaluation and demonstration of organic matter for soil fertility management in Shashemene and Kofele districts of West Arsi Zone

This activity was started at two FTC site (Halacha FTC in Shashemene and Germama in Kofole district) for the following objectives:

To select best organic matter for soil fertility improvement To determine organic matter application cycle To improve farmers’ understanding on use of organic matter for soil fertility management

Result on yield response of different organic fertilizers Both wheat and barley yield significantly increased in the second year (2006) as compared with

in 2005. This result showed that mineralization or nutrient availability from the Organic matter is

higher in the second year.

Use of compost showed better yield response as compared with farm yard manure and green manure

0,00

5,00

10,00

15,00

20,00

25,00

30,00

wheat yieldin 2005

wheat yieldin 2006

Yie

ld in

qu

nta

l/h

a

Wheat yield response ,Shashemene

FarmyardManure

Compost

Green Manure

Control

0,0010,0020,0030,0040,0050,0060,0070,00

Barleyyield in2005

Barleyyield in2006

Yie

ld in

Qu

nta

l/h

a

Barley yield, Kofele

FarmyardManure

Compost

GreenManure

Control

31

1.2 On station Evaluation of parthinium composting using vermi and conventional techniques

at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center This activity was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural research center for the following main objectives: To identify/compare the quality of compost made from parthinim using vermi and conventional

composting

To identify germability of parthinium after composting To use Parthinium as composting material and as an lternative to parthinium controlling mechanism

Result on the quality of compost made from Parthinium using different composting techniques

Parthinium composting made using vermi contains high level of NPK as compared with conventional composting with and without parthinium

Based on the result, It is recommended farmers to use parthinium for compost making and at the same time to reduce this invasive weed

1.39

0.310.45

0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

1.00

1.20

1.40

1.60

parthinium compostmade using vermi

(PV1)

Conventionallymade parthinium

compost (CP1)

Conventionalcompost with no

parthinium(C1)

Total N (%) Total N (%)

32

2. Achievements on Soil and water conservation practices 2.1 On farm participatory evaluation of Integration of both mechanical and biological soil

and water conservation practices This conservation measures were established at six different Sites or farmers (three in Shashemene, two in Adama and one in Lume districts). Animal forages such as Elephant grass, Dasho grass and rhodes were used as an integration measure with soil bund with the objectives: To evaluate the impact of the integration of both physiscal and biological SWC on controlling

soil erosion and improving soil fertility To evaluate the contribution of the integrated SWC in storing SOC on agriculture

33

2.2. Assessment of farmers’ Soil Erosion and Soil Fertility Improvement Practices in the

East Shoa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia The study was conducted in purposively selected districts of East Showa (Adama and Lume districts) and West Arsi zones (Shashemene and Kofole districts) of the central rift valley of Oromia, Ethiopia. Adama and Lume districts are found in lowland areas of similar agro climate that are characterized by agro pastoral farming system. On the other hand, Shashemene and kofole represent the highland and mid altitude agro climate that are also characterized by mixed or agro pastoral farming system. This activity was conducted to achieve the following objectives:

a) To identify farmers’ soil erosion control mechanisms in central rift valley areas,

b) To identify the dominant soil erosion types in central rift valley areas

c) To determine farmers’ perceptions on identification and classification of soil erosion types and ways of erosion control mechanisms

d) To assess soil fertility management practices in the central rift valley areas

RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

Trends of Land use The change in the land allocated for arable or crop land, grazing land and forest was assessed through the individual interviews of each selected household. The aim is to see the relationship between the change in land size and farmers perception in soil and water conservation activities. The land allocated for the agricultural land and forest land showed an increasing trend in all study

districts. On the other hand, the land allocated for grazing land was decreasing since the last five years (see Fig. 1). Fig. 1: Trends of land allocated for arable, grazing and plantation from left to right respectively since 2007

Table 1: Major Causes of soil Erosion in the study area

Major causes of soil erosion

Frequency Districts

Adama Kofele Lume Shashemene

Deforestation Count (%)

14 (35%) 5 (12.5%) 15 (37.5%) 10 (25.0%)

Steep slope Count (%)

4 (10%) 20 (45%) 5 (12.5%) 7 (17.5%)

Heavy rainfall Count (%)

8 (20%) 10 (30%) 10 (25.0%) 15 (37.5%)

Diversion Count (%) 6 (15%) 2 (5%) 5 (12.5%) 5 (12.5%)

Soil characteristics

Count (%)

8 (20%) 3 (7.5%) 5 (12.5%) 3 (7.5%)

0,060,20

0,020,18

0,16

0,24

0,14

0,210,20

0,35

0,18

0,24

Adama Kofele Lume Shasheme

Trends of land for plantation o

Forest land owned at present

Forest land owned 2years back

34

Farmers practices on Soil and Water Conservation Despite the severity of soil erosion problem however, it is only recently that soil and water conservation has received political attention in Ethiopia. Since the 1960s, various conservation strategies have been introduced to enhance agricultural development and rural livelihoods. Recognizing land degradation as a major environmental and socio-economic problem, the government of Ethiopia has made several interventions. As a result, large areas have been covered

with terraces, soil bunds, area closures and millions of trees have been planted especially since the Ethiopian millennium (2007). Table 2: Major physical soil and water conservation activities practiced by farmer

Type of physical

SWC

Source of information (%) Farmers practicing the physical SWC (Count (%))

DA NGO and others

No information

Adama Kofele Lume Shashemene

Soil bund 41 20.5 37.5

25 (62.5) 27 (67.5) 24 (70) 20 (55)

Micro basin

2.5 3.4 93.1 3 (7.5) 2(5) 5 (12.5) 0(0)

Cutoff

drains

20 31.9 48.1 21 (52.5) 25 (62.5) 31 (77.5) 25 (62.5)

Table 3: Major biological soil and water conservation activities practiced by farmers

Districts* Frequency Biological Soil fertility management strategies

Using compost

Using animal manure

Crop rotation

Crop residue

Inter cropping

Fallowing Live fencing

Adama Count (%) 16(40) 31 (77.5) 5 (12.5) 35(87.5) 8 (20) 0(0) 14 (35)

Kofele Count (%) 12 (30) 37 (92.5) 40 (100) 23 (57.5) 3 (7.5) 23 (57.5) 28 (70)

Lume Count (%) 24 (60) 35 (87.5) 36 (90) 11 (27.5) 10 (25) 2 (5) 24 (60)

Shashemene Count (%) 19(47.5) 36 (90) 40 (100) 12 (30) 11 (27.5) 5 (12.5) 21 (52.5)

Total Count (%) 71(44.4) 139(86.9) 151(94.4) 51(31.9) 32 (20) 30(18.8) 87(54.4)

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Increased in population size in all study districts is the main driver for the increased agricultural land through conversion of grazing land and other marginal land that consequently accelerated human induced soil erosion. Deforestations (as a result of population pressure) followed by Erratic heavy rain fall and steep landscape are the major causes of soil erosion problems in all study areas. Soil

bunding, cutoff drains and micro basins are the physical soil and water conservation measures used by the farmers. However, the number of farmers practicing physical soil and water conservation

measures is very low in relative to soil erosion problems in the study areas. This is mainly due to lack of information or training on soil and water conservation practices for the farmers. It was identified that farmers use different indicators to identify the fertility status of their land holdings which are yield response, color, soil type, vegetation cover and topography. The biological soil and water conservation measures aimed to improve soil fertility that consequently helps to reduce soil erosion. It was identified that biological soil and water conservation measures are the most commonly used by farmers to improve soil fertility. About 93.8% of the respondents used crop rotation, 85%

animal manure, and 54.4 % used life fencing as the major strategy to improve soil fertility in all districts. Even though the price of chemical fertilizer is perceived to be expensive, more than 90% of the respondents depend on it to increase production. This is because farmers’ perception on use, importance of Organic fertilizer is very low in all study districts.

35

Based on the findings, the following recommendations are given: Since one of the biggest problem of farmers related with soil and water conservation is

knowledge gap, regularly training and demonstrating different Soil and Water Conservation and soil fertility improvement activities to the farmers are the core issues to be considered for sustainable NRM

Participatory soil and water conservation mechanisms should be implemented taking into consideration farmers’ decision on type of conservation and site selections to decide where to

implement the conservation activity. This is important to make the soil and water conservation activities more fruitful and sustainable

There should be strong linkage between research and other organizations (Government & None governmental) to transfer better experiences and technologies in soil and water conservation

This result may vary with time and place. Therefore, this activity should be repeated at least every five years to evaluate and monitor the dynamics or trends of change in land use type, land

use size and soil and water conservation activities

36

8. Irrigation and Water Harvesting Research Team

1. Achievements on Irrigation water management 1.1 On station Estimation of Crop Water Requirement of Most Commonly Growing

Crops Specific objective

To calculate and analyze crop water requirement for different crop type on existing soil type & climatic condition.

To estimate Crop Water Requirement (CWR) for most market oriented crops under different cropping calendars at on station level

To estimate irrigation water requirement for most economically important crops under different cropping calendars at on station level

To develop irrigation regimes (when and how much to irrigate) for most market oriented

crops under different cropping calendars at on station level

Summary of determined CWR

Recommendation and conclusion This result is very theoretical. Therefore, It is difficult to give the final recommendations unless the result is practically implemented.

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Jun

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec Total

Mean ref. crop Evapotranspiration ETo (mm/day)

7.59 8.02 7.95 7.48 7.21

7.2 5.6 5.36 5.50

6.97

7.76

7.49

2309.7

Effective rain fall (MM/month)

43.4 66.0 85.9 97.5 103

91 134

118.8

92.1

68.4

23.0

17.0

941.7

CWR (mm/perio

d)

Onion 55.05

22.41

25.8

45.6

148.93

Tomato

86.54

89.38

61.17

41.0

59.3

337.5

Pepper 54.44

55.67

17.36

28.2

38.8

37

1.2 On station adoption and evaluation of micro tube drip irrigation technology

Tomato seedling at bed after transplanting while managing (drip)

Pictures: furrow system (A) vs drip irrigation system (B) (January, 2013)

At time of fruit setting (drip) while data collection

Result and discussion Results of the analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference for some of the characters between the treatments (Table1).Significant difference in tomato fruit weight (kg) per plant and yield was observed between drip and furrow irrigation system at (p≤0.05) (Table1).Significantly lower tomato fruit weight per plant (0.17) occurred in furrow irrigation as compared to drip irrigation system (0.29). No significant difference in tomato fruit width (cm) ,length (cm),steam diameter and number of cluster/pl were observed between drip and furrow irrigation system at (p≤0.05)

(Table1).From this we can understand that drip irrigation perform more than furrow irrigation system Table1. Means of Biometric parameters of tomato weight (kg), width (cm), length (cm), height (cm)

and others in relation to variety and irrigation system.

Treatment Variables Variety

Drip Furrow Chali M/shola Fetan Cochoro

0.29a 0.17b Weight 0.30a 0.2ab 0.26ab 0.17b

5.05a 4.8a Width 4.95a 4.55b 5.14a 5.06a

5.90a 5.76a Length 5.74b 5.59b 5.85ab 6.15a

52.4b 75.8a Height 62.95b 77.85a 53.27b 62.47b

4.4a 3.12b 10 branches 3.5a 3.82a 3.65a 4.15a

62.6b 86.8a Fruit/pl 68.62b 121.8a 52.8b 55.6b

1.9a 2.3a Steam diameter 2.3ab 2.34a 2.1ab 1.7b

22.3a 23.4a Cluster/pl 22.1b 34.7a 17.1b 17.4b

0.24b 0.17a Yield/pl 0.22a 0.21a 0.21a 0.18a

When we compare tomato fruit weight, width and length of drip and furrow irrigation, drip showed better results. Significant differences in tomato plant height, fruit /plant and yield /plant (kg) were observed between drip and furrow irrigation system at (p≤0.05) (Table1). Significantly higher tomato plant height (75.8) and fruit /plant (86.8) were found in furrow irrigation as compared to drip

B A

38

irrigation system (52.4) and (62.6) respectively. As it is clearly seen in (Table1) tomato plant showed

higher plant height in furrow irrigation system this may be due to much water consumption and unlimited root growth under this system due to larger wetting pattern. Significant difference in tomato plant primary branch was observed between drip and furrow irrigation system at (p≤0.05) (Table1). More tomato primary branch (4.4) occurred in drip irrigation as compared to furrow irrigation system (3.12). This may be due to short height by tomato plant under the system and stimulate to more primary branch than secondary and other. There was significant difference in vegetable yield between the irrigation systems at 31.96 ton/ha for drip compared to 26.7 ton/ha in

surface irrigation.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Our study indicated that micro tube drip irrigation system had significant effects on some biometric parameters of tomato such as fruit weight per plant, yield and primary branch as compared to conventional furrow irrigation. Even though it is not statically significantly differing, other biometric parameters also showed good results. Less amount of irrigation water demand and early maturity of tomato yield under drip irrigation were also seen. On the other hand furrow showed significant difference based on plant height, number of cluster/ plant and fruit per plant. Hence, there is an indication that both quantitative and qualitative result were obtained under drip irrigation system

It can be concluded from the present study that using micro tube drip irrigation for vegetable production is a best alternative especially for smallholder poor farmers. In addition, It is highly recommended to verify the finding at on-farm level in different site of mid rift valley area.

9. Agroforestry Research Team

1. Achievements 1.1 Evaluation of the Contribution of Acacia tortilis (Forssk) Hayne Canopy to Soil Properties in Cropland and Rangeland Ecosystem The study was conducted on cropland, open communal grazing land and controlled grazing land of closed areas in Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center and in Abernosa cattle breeding ranch in Mid Rift Valley areas in Oromia National Regional State, in Ethiopia. Scattered A.tortilis trees were

selected from crop land (CL), communal grazing land (CGL) and closed areas (CA). The fields were selected based on topography, land uses and availability of the tree species. The sample plots had a gentle slope. The trees also had similar pruning history (all pruned one year before soil sampling). Soil samples from topsoil layers (0-10cm) were collected at two concentric transects (0.5, 2, 4 and 15 m distances from tree base) in four different directions (north, south, east and west).

Land use

Distance Total C % pH EC Available P.(ppm)

Total N%

CL

0.5 m 2.40±0.113a 7.25±0.100 176.04±18.344a 10.61±2.596a 0.25±0.016a

2 m 2.10±0.169b 7.60±0.160 150.00±12.327ab 6.22±0.829b 0.17±0.023b

4 m 1.79±0.260c 7.70±0.201 116.83±22.701b 4.49±0.815bc 0.13±0.022c

Open 1.43±0.149d 7.72±0.201 93.14±19.735c 3.65±0.824c 0.1±0.0232c

F value 5.31 1.67 3.82 4.39 8.48

P value 0.015 0.227 0.039 0.026 0.003

CA 0.5 m 4.90±0.07a 6.66±0.02b 193.70±2.00a 3.81±0.09a 0.37±0.00a

2 m 4.52±0.12b 6.85±0.01a 139.25±2.08b 3.45±0.00b 0.36±0.02a

4 m 4.11±0.09c 6.70±0.01b 136.95±3.00b 3.49±0.07b 0.32±0.00b

Open 3.39±0.12d 6.63±0.03b 122.37±3.33c 3.34±0.03c 0.23±0.00c

F value 43.36 43.36 21.82 138.01 12.28

P value 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002

CGL 0.5 m 1.29±0.17a 7.36±0.20 163.63±22.83a 8.27±1.97a 0.13±0.02a

2 m 1.00±0.11b 7.45±0.19 127.85±18.15b 4.17±1.32bc 0.08±0.01b

4 m 0.80±0.11b 7.43±0.20 98.19±23.29c 3.07±0.84c 0.07±0.01bc

Open 0.60±0.11c 7.55±0.20 76.41±13.54c 2.40±0.67c 0.06±0.01c

F value 5.30 0.16 3.63 4.08 4.13

P value 0.015 0.924 0.045 0.033 0.032

39

Table 1. Mean (±SE) of soil fertility parameters in land uses and at different distances from tree base Table 2. The effect (Mean (±SE)) of A. tortilis trees, on soil chemical properties in land uses and at different distance

Conclusion and Recommendations Acacia tortlis, has beneficial effects on soil physical and nutrient status. Integrating and preserving

isolated trees in crop and rangelands, especially in semi-arid areas, would help to maintain or possibly enhance sustainability of cropland and rangeland ecosystems in the long term.

1.2 Participatory evaluation and promotion of Jatropha crucas (promising bio-fuel plant) in rift valley marginal lands of East Shewa Zone

Most of the farmers prefer vegetative ways of propagation (cutting) and using as live fence. By simple hand press 4 kg seed yields one litter of J. crucas oil. The area can be used as seed (propagate) sources for future widely dissemination and create new sources of income from marginal lands by

supplying oil extraction plants.

Land

use

Distance Na

(Meq/100 g soil)

K (Meq/100

g soil

Mg (Meq/100

g soil

Ca (Meq/100

g soil

CEC

(Meq/100 g soil

MC %

CL 0.5 m 1.94±0.910 3.53±0.254a 4.54±0.456a 25.040.531a 32.89±0.212a 3.83±0.478

2 m 1.73±0.766 2.99±0.378b 3.58±0.580b 23.450.713b 30.36±0.950b 4.04±0.506

4 m 1.96±0.924 2.38±0.306c 3.06±0.572bc 22.680.480b 28.72±1.180b 7.37±3.568

Open 2.83±1.351 2.09±0.177c 1.99±0.611c 21.910.455c 26.76±2.294c 3.71±0.435

F value 0.23 4.93 3.63

5.83

3.54 0.92

P value 0.872 0.019 0.045 0.011 0.048 0.460

CA 0.5 m 3.32±0.03b 2.40±0.03a 3.63±0.09a 18.36±0.58a 25.17±0.67a 2.81±0.03a

2 m 3.68±0.22a 2.31±0.03a 2.20±0.05b 15.32±0.29b 24.51±0.33a 2.62±0.04b

4 m 2.16±0.33c 2.00±0.06b 1.72±0.09b 13.60±0.67c 17.47±0.47b 2.37±0.03c

Open 1.02±0.33d 1.93±0.04b 1.35±0.09c 10.88±0.33d 14.33±0.33c 2.21±0.03d

F value 46.95 21.53 32.06 156.42 40.31 128.38

P value 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

CGL 0.5 m 2.20±1.21a 3.59±0.33a 2.38±0.19a 10.07±0.36a 16.73±1.23a 1.61±0.32a

2 m 2.28±1.24a 2.91±0.36b 1.56±0.29b 7.62±0.76b 14.72±1.36b 1.62±0.25a

4 m 2.62±1.32a 2.34±0.36bc 1.24±0.25bc 7.19±0.59b 13.58±1.34b 1.50±0.22a

Open 2.78±1.41a 1.95±0.18c 1.05±0.19c 5.78±0.33c 11.11±0.62c 1.50±0.18a

F value 0.05 5.12 6.30 10.92 3.97 0.07

P value 0.986 0.017 0.008 0.001 0.035 0.974

40

Conclusions and future perspectives A seedling establishment study showed that saplings established by means of pre- cultivated seedlings survived better (81%) than those established through cuttings (59%) and direct in situ

seeding (38%) and because they already had developed strong shoot and roots to withstand drought, pest damage and herbivory. This suggests that the survival rate of J. curcas seedlings emerging in the natural conditions might be hampered by different factors such as high mortality of seedling and saplings from pests and diseases. Further controlled field experiments are needed on this aspect and poor marketing channel due to the absences of Jatropha oil processing units in the area is bottle neck to further scaling up of the technology.

Farmers can use non-edible oil crops, Jatropha curcas which have less competition with food crops, if they are cultivated on marginal lands and live fences or intercropped in the form of alley or hedges in summary biofuel crops may play an important role in the development of a low-carbon bio-economy, satisfying rural energy demand and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 1.3 Participatory evaluation and demonstration of improved fallow Agroforestry

practices in Eastern Shoa & W. Arsi Zone. This activity was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District, Anano kebele, East Shioa zone and Shala District of West Arsi zone, Lench Leman kebele. The activity was intended to identify the potential and the extent to which improved fallow agroforestry practices have been used in complementing other agriculture practices. Promising

results were obtained from on-farm participatory evaluation of the experiments. Farmer’s knowledge and skill of production and management of improved fallow agroforestry practices were improved

through field demonstration, field days and farmer to farmer experience sharing.

41

1.4 Participatory evaluation and demonstration of alley farming Agroforestry practices in Eastern Shoa & W. Arsi Zone This activity was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District, Anano kebele, East Shioa zone and Shala District of West Arsi zone, Lench Leman kebele. Farmers were selected and training conducted, Sites were established, Tree-crop planting: 3 tree spp, C. cajan, L. leucocephala & S. sasban with (Melkassa II) maize variety evaluated and data was collected. The same On-station Yield data collected

The activity was intended to identify the potential and the extent to which alley farming agroforestry practices have been used in complementing other agriculture practices. Promising results were obtained from on-farm participatory evaluation of the experiments. Farmer’s knowledge and skill of production and management of alley farming agroforestry practices were improved through field

demonstration, field days and farmer to farmer experience sharing. 1.5 Passion fruit for evaporative water lose control from water harvesting ponds.

This activity was done in ATARC on agroforestry water harvesting pond and on-farm demonstrated on two FRG farmers’ ponds. From water harvested in to small ponds during the rainy season’s larger

amount was lost by evaporation due to direct sunlight on the ponds. By using passion fruit vine over

42

their water harvesting ponds smallholder farmers can gain dual benefits, reducing evaporation from

water harvesting ponds and the other is from valuable edible fruits. Passiflora edulis is a vine species. It is native to Paraguay, Brazil and northern Argentina Common names include Passion Fruit (UK and US), Origin: The purple passion fruit is native from southern Brazil through Paraguay to northern Argentina. The vine came to be popular in home gardens as ornamental and shade. Propagation: Passion fruit vines are usually grown from seeds. Seed planted soon after removal from the fruit will germinate in 10 to 20 days. Cleaned and stored seeds have a lower and slower

rate of germination. Seeds should be planted 1/2 to 1 inch deep in beds, and seedlings may be transplanted when 10 inches high. If taller (up to 3 feet), the tops should be cut back and the plants heavily watered Pruning: Pruning is necessary to keep the vines within bounds of water harvesting pond and to make harvest easier and to keep the plants productive by maintaining vigorous growth. . As a general rule remove all weak growth and cut back vigorous growth by at least one third.

1.6 Approaches of Agroforestry Management in the Central Ethiopia Survival rate was observed for each species in June 2006. Both inside and outside the agroforestry, air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and albedo were recorded in the dry season (December, 2007) and rainy season August-September, 2008) in order to quantify differences in the environment between inside and outside agroforestry and to assess the effect of the agroforestry

on micro-meteorology Table 1. Survival rate of tree species established in the central rift valley, Ethiopia.

Name of species Number of planted (trees)

Number of dead trees (trees)

Survival rate (%)

Acacia salicina 77 6 91.3

Casuarina equisetifolia 44 6 86.4

Azadirachta indica 40 4 87.5

Grevillea robusta 24 4 83.3

. Table 2. The effect of agroforestry established in the central rift valley on receiving and

reflecting solar radiation.

S Dry season (14:00-15:30 Dec. 10, 2007)

Inside

Radiation W/m2

Reflection W/m2

Albedo

325 64 0.25

Outside 717 152 0.21

Rainy season (15:10-15:35 Sep. 1, 2008)

Inside 332 84 0.29

Outside 801 162 0.20

Fig. 1. Comparison of changes in air temperature and relative humidity (RH) between inside and outside the agroforestry observed on December 14-15, 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina

43

Fig. 2. Comparison of changes in air temperature and relative humidity (RH) between inside and outside the

Agro forestry observed on August 30, 2008.

Conclusion Agroforestry is new experience for the farmers and by this work they will find its benefit through

the practices. Indeed, there were wide agroforestry advantages investigated in the current study

that calls our attention to plant trees. In the current study, it is revealed that the agroforestry at the trial site had a potential to mitigate evaporation and extreme increasing of temperature.

44

Socio- Economics and Agricultural Extension research Process

10. Socio- Economics research Team

Why Socioeconomics is needed? Little and obsolete information on structure, conduct and performance of markets and marketing

systems of major vegetable products in MRV of Ethiopia Lack of information on gender issues/roles in marketing of major vegetable products Poor or no access to updated market information for marketing decisions for small scale farmers-

prevailing of poor marketing systems Lack of skill knowledge on value addition to these major vegetables to boost income from these

crops

Weak evaluation of impacts of the technologies

Major Achievement since 10 years from Socio-Economics Team 1. Agricultural Market systems in MRV of Ethiopia.

A. How to improve farmers marketing strategy through improving access to market information

Back ground Ethiopian government promotes market oriented agriculture but inefficient marketing system hinders

its progress. Among many factors affecting the performance of marketing system, unavailability of timely and relevant market information to small scale farmers is critical one. Objective

To establish a mobile phone based market information system which is managed by small holder farmers

To identify the impact of farmers access to market information on their production and marketing strategy

Methodology

Marketing FRG established at Rafu Hargissa (A/Negele) and Anano (ATJK) each member

containing 20 members Training was given on marketing and record keeping for groups Each group have chairperson, secretary and a treasurer .Chair person is a device holder who

contact trader and market enumerators to collect market information and share it with the

members. The groups set rule and regulation on the use of mobile phone. Cost for prepaid cards is from

monthly contribution of members. Achievement So far

Farmers’ income increased from sale of produce due to timely access to market information. Farmers have started to make decision/choice on what, where, and when to sale their

produce. Farmers network was improved within the group Farmers by themselves have started to create new market channels. They started to link

themselves directly to Addis Ababa central market.

45

The Following diagram Market Structure of Livestock and Crop in MRV of Ethiopia.

B. Cattle market/dairy product

Due to lack of common unit of yardstick in cattle marketing brokers play a great role in facilitation of transaction. sellers and buyers do have a great trust on them; trying to buy without the involvement of brokers are hardly possible. Eye ball observation, observing the condition of animals, moving animals here and there ,observing teeth of animals are some means to discover price-not auction.

Daigram wich Shows Cattle Market route

Cattle market route and Chain Map

A/Negele Market Batu Market

A/Negele

Market

Bulbula mkt

Adama

Alage

Dukem

Modjo

shasham

aArbaminch

Wondo

Aw assa

yergalem

Dilla

Farmers

Addis

Batu Market

Meki

Alemtena

A.A Some times

70 %purchase is taken towards south.

30% of purchase taken to north direction.

The majority is to Meki and Alem Tena

Note: the interdependency of markets

Menjar(N.showa)

46

Mar ket structure & routes of shoat in A/T/J/ Kombolcha

Source: Marketing research supported by JICA-FRG

Bulbul a

Market

Ziway

Market

Meki

Market

Farmers,

consumers&hotels

A/Ababa Market

Modjo

Market

Abattoirs

Small

Traders

Large

traders

Farmers and consumers

restaurants

Farmers consumers

restaurants

Farmers and consumers

&restaurants

Consumers

Consumers

Middle

East

market

Factor contributing to price Variability I.For Case of Vegetable and Cereals Market are

Fasting Period Holiday

Suppky and Demand interaction Cost Of production Shift in production Price prevailage in central market Quality (grade, size, health and type)

II. Case of Livestock Religious festival

Demand and supply condition Dody condition Age, Sex, Colour Need of input for agriculture

Marketing Cost and Market Information

2. Improving market access and financial evaluation of dairy technologies Statement of the problem

Orderly and efficient marketing plays an important role in solving the problem of farmers. If marketing system is not efficient, price signal arising at consumers’ level are not adequately transferred to the producers; as a result farmers do not get price incentives to increase

production of the commodities, which are in the short supply Specific Objective.

Improve marketing system and availability of market information Analyze the profitability of different trials/practice

Achievement So far

Farmers organized in to cooperative

producers was linked with potential buyers

Bargaining power of producer was increased due to presence of cooperative

47

Market price of Milk and Milk products was increased due to market access improvement

Role of brokers in the market was decreased due to direct linkage of producers with traders through cooperative organized.

Participation, Experience and revenue from economic activities of the respondent

As shown above Next to crop production high amount of farmers’ annual income is from dairy production in the area, its 720, 159,720 , 12,030.5 birr annually minimum, maximum and mean respectively per household.

Who buy your dairy product?

As indicated below on the figures the contribution of cooperative was very high to improve market access of milk and milk products because from total milk and milk product sold potential buyers is cooperative next to consumer i.e. 37.2% and 38.5% for cooperative and Consumer respectively. In

general price of milk and milk product increased due to cooperative availability in Kofele districts i.e. 8 and 15 birr before and after establishment cooperative respectively. 2. Value Chain Analysis of Head Cabbage in West Arsi Kofele districts

Background and Justification ADLI and recent agricultural growth policy investment Framework (PIF) as clearly set in subsequent

plan like growth and transformation plan (GTP) states the need for transforming Agriculture as engine of growth to industry from agricultural sector in order to achieve sustainable and rapid development.

050000

100000150000200000250000300000350000

Min Max Mean Min Max Mean

Dairy Production

Crop Production

Petty Trade

Other if any

48

As a result the government is encouraging, promoting and supporting value chain development for

high value crop production and value addition as transformation strategy and technology adoption to meet Gross and transformation plan(GTP). OBJECTIVE

To describe the existing cabbage marketing system, challenges, and opportunities in the area To identify actors involved in cabbage value chain analysis To determine marketing margins and factors affecting market margins

Achievement so Far Input Supply is the main problem of HC production like lack of improved seed, lack of

sufficient pesticides, chemical fertilizer, and other. High loss of product due to lack of processing for commodity Lack of output market and low price Small market channel due to lack of processing and high nature of perishability of commodity.

Low share of producers due to inappropriate channel of market especially Illegal market and

problem of brokers Even there is availability of union like Raya Kajawa and different NGO like IDE, Engne, Rift

valley and other their contribution for the commodity market channel improvement was very low.

Value addition to commodity before selling to market and after sold was almost none due to lack of processing.

4. Project on Rural Community Development by Livelihood Improvement Approach Project: ABDI BORU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Background about ABCD It is a way of thinking and also an approach to development work – a conscious effort to focuses on

strengths, abilities, opportunities, talents and gifts as a foundation or starting point. It is an orientation to use what we have and build from there.

This is development from the inside-out. This is why ABCD is also called community led or community driven development Identifying and mobilizing community assets encourage people to gain control over their lives and be proactive (rather than just waiting).

The focus is to support citizens to mobilize and build their assets - which may then attract and leverage resources from outside. In this way, one is building communities from inside-out rather than outside-in

ABCD focuses on the half full part of the glass where the strengths, capacities and assets of the community lie

Economic analysis-Leaky Bucket

General Goal of the project Improving the quality of life of the rural community through livelihood improvement approach and empowerment of women” Objectives:

To promote the existing indigenous community self-support systems to Livelihood

improvement practices To promote energy saving stoves To improve nutrition and hygiene condition of the rural communities

49

To promote value addition of agricultural products

To improve linkage among stakeholders Operational management

Chairperson- elected by each group members Secretary-records and keeps minutes of each meeting, money collected from MGR (Ikub) Treasurer-keeps the money collected until purchase by the committee for the lottery

winner(s) Purchase committee-those who make purchase for the winner depending on the individual(s)

interest Discipline committee-who follow up and make decisions on discipline issues

Major activities done so far

Awareness creation

Women empowerment: Intensive training, informal education, plan preparation practices and presentation by the group members

Strengthening indigenous institutions

Promotion of energy saving stoves

Kitchen garden activities

Hygiene and nutrition improvement

Exhibition show among groups: cooking contest

Establishing group network

Summary of Major Achievements

Strengthened indigenous institutions:–self-support system Ikub system: Merry Go Round practices Dabo system (labor exchange, pooling wood for house , poultry production ) Goat banking

Helping the sick when happens from the group

Giving gifts to birth givers-child deliveries, weeding Helping those who faced funerals Merry Go Round (Ikub) practices by groups

Project Implementation procedure was firstly Awareness creation through gender sensitization, training on ABCoDI-Kaizen approach for extension workers and target groups. Secondly Livelihood

improvement and income generation activities was undertaken like promotion of energy saving stoves, hygiene and nutrition improvement, Most important value addition activities (One village one production)-income generation activities and finally Establishing network across groups. Finally scale up and out of good practice was done.

50

General Summary of Major Achievement of Socio-Economics since 10 years.

In Order to Compete with Global Market with what we have producing of commodity is not enough because produced product must be competent and accepted in global market unless its valueless. So in order to compete with globalization producers have to know what have to produce, how to produce and especially for whom to produce, Additional to these there must value addition of commodity produced in order to play in appropriate market channel to earn high income from the sector. So the main achievement of Socio Economics team at Adami Tullu Agricultural Research

Center since ten years have been playing vital role on above raised issue to compete with global market like awareness creation of producers and other target group, Market Access improvement for agricultural commodity produced by creating appropriate market channel, and creating linkage of market with producers and market actors. Finally awareness creation, market linkage, value addition for the commodity, and initiating small level processing of the agricultural commodity produced was the main achievement and work done since ten years by the team.

In addition to above listed and briefly discussed work done project by socio-Economics team are also many other since ten years like

Production risk and Coping Strategies of Small holder farmer: Case of Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha Districts

Economics of small holder farm enterprise and resource efficiency in central Rift valley of Ethiopia

Survey on farm gate price of major commodities in East Showa Zone Cattle marketing in Central rift valley of Ethiopia Sheep production system study in MRV of Ethiopia Natural resource based conflicts and its resolution strategies in the central rift valley of

Ethiopia Economics implication of poultry at smallholder level in MRV Ethiopia Economics Evaluation of bee haves technologies in MRV of Ethiopia

In addition to the above many other economics project was done under the Mega Project of

all center teams based done.

51

11. Agricultural Extension research team

General overview of the research team

Agricultural extension research team was one of the research teams of ATARC since the center was transferred to Oromia Agricultural Research Institute. However, it was dissolved from 2001 to 2004 E.C in the BPR process. However, since 2005, by revising the BPR process the team was re-initiated as full-fledged research team. Since 2005 the team has been conducting 5 research activities of which two are completed and the rest are ongoing.

Deliverables/completed activities since 2005

No Title of the completed activity in the year

Deliverables/major outputs

1 Wider promotion of proven sweet potato technologies in potential production areas of CRV

- More than 6000 cutting of the two varieties were distributed during the study time. - Extension materials developed and used to increase utilization system of sweet potato in each district. - Training and workshops were conducted - Constraints to promotion was identified

2 On farm evaluation and demonstration of improved plastic milk churners in West Arsi zone

-18 milk churners were distributed at shashemene and Kofele districts - churning time was compared with participating farmers using the improved and local churning devices. As a result churning time was reduced from 1hr 15 minute to 44 minutes. - trainings were conducted for 72 participating female farmers

Intermediate results/outputs from ongoing research activities

1. Title of the activity: Improving Rural Farmers’ Livelihoods through Introducing Poultry Packages at Arsi Negele District

The study have been undertaking at Arsi Negele District (Rafu Hargisa Kebele). Four poultry FRG were established. Ten to fifteen member farmers were organized under each FRG. Training was given for 34 farmers, 2DAs and 2 district office of agriculture experts. More than 138 fayoumin breeds were distributed. In addition improved poultry packages like feeding, housing management, and health management packages were demonstrated. The distributed chicken have started egg

production. Accordingly, about 2,000 eggs were collected until July, 2014. Following the intervention of the project, huge demand has been created in the district by farmers but due to lack of incubator and enough chicken multiplication centers, it was difficult to respond to the increasing demand of farmers. The following pictures show the activity at a glance.

A sample of improved

poultry housing

package demonstrated for FRGs

Egg produced from the

breed

Feeding of Fayoumi

chicken breeds

distributed to farmers

Fertile Eggs inside the

incubator

Hatched chickens

52

2. Title of the activity: Participatory Evaluation and Demonstration of Recently

Released Early Maturing Cultivars of sweet potato in Moisture Deficit Areas of West Arsi and East Showa

This is a two year activity started in the rainy seasons of 2006 E.C. The activity has started by multiplying cutting/vines of three sweet potato varieties at on-station namely, Tulla, Kulfo, Burtukane. The varieties were evaluated in a participatory manner using FRG approach in two districts; shalla and Adami Tulu Jiddo komobolcha. Grouped with 9 experimental farmers a total of

68 farmers have participated in this activity so far. Trainings were also given for the participating farmers and DA’s and district experts about sweet potato production and management. The activity will be completed in 2008 and it is expected that farmers will evaluate and select variety which is more suitable to their environment and socioeconomic conditions. In addition it is expected that knowledge, skill and income of participating farmers to be improved.

Photos showing on farm sweet potato variety evaluation and demonstration

activity

53

3. Title of the activity: Promotion of banana technologies at irrigated areas of Adami

Tulu jiddo kombolcha and dugda districts This activity was transferred from horticulture research team in 2005. Since then on station sucker multiplication has been going on. At farmers field so far 40 suckers have been distributed to 11 farmers at Adami Tulu jiddo kombolcha district.

Summary on ongoing Pre-extension demonstration activities performed in the year 2006 and 2007

No. Name of the

technologie

s demonstrated

Location (district

and PAs)

Quantity/amount of the

technology

distributed

Number of experimental/benefit

ing

Benefits obtained (productivity/income

gain)

M F Total

1 Fayoumin

chickens

A/Negele 138 2 2 4 1000 ETB

2 Sweet potato

Shala & A/T/J/k

2400 (cutting)

6 3 9 Under analysis

3 Milk churner

Kofele and shasheme

nne

18 improved churners

- 18 18 Under analysis

4 Promotion of banana suckers

ATJK 40suckers 11 - 11 Not yet harvested

A sample of picture showing suckers multiplication at on station

Picture showing the performance of banana production at on farm level at A/T/J/K District

54

Trainings given for SMS, DAs and farmers

No. Activity Location (on-station/ district with PAs)

Number of participants

Farmers Extension workers

Total

M F Total

1 Sweet potato demonstration

Shala and A/T/J/K 35 33 43 4 47

2 Poultry production Arsi Negele 20 10 30 4 34

3 Milk churner demonstration

Shashemene & Kofele

- 84 84 4

88

Training at research center (ATARC)

Training at FTC Training at Farmers

field/backyard

58

ADAMI TULU AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

INFORMATION BOOKLET ON RESEARCH

ACHIEVEMENTS

2015

ATARC acheivements booklet

Documents

Transcript of ATARC acheivements booklet