On-farm Demonstration and Evaluation of Tef (Eragrostis Tefabyssinica) Bora Variety for Selected Moisture Stress Area of Amhara and Oromia Region, Ethiopia (Published)
The study aimed to create awareness and evaluate the performance of the newly released tef variety, Bora, compared to the standard check variety, Boset, in moisture stress areas of Ethiopia. The demonstration took place in the moisture stress areas of Minjar Shenkora district of the North Shoa and, Lume and Bora districts of East Shoa in 2021 and 2022 production year. Ninety farmers’ plot and 15 farmers’ training center (FTC) were used for the demonstration. Selection criteria included willingness to provide plots and labor, adherence to recommended practices, experience-sharing with neighboring farmers, and collaboration with researchers. The farmers were educated about the availability and significance of the demonstrated technology through training sessions, participatory technology evaluations, and field day events. Based on farmers’ evaluation, Bora variety was preferred over Boset only in Minjar Shenkora and Bora distritcts. The yield assessments indicated Bora’s superiority, with yield advantages of 210 kg/ha, 230 kg/ha, and 253 kg/ha over Boset in Minjar Shenkora, Lume, and Bora districts, respectively. Thus, given its superior performance, scaling up Bora cultivation across all demonstration areas is recommended to enhance tef production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Keywords: Demonstration; Evaluation; Moisture Stress; Tef; Variety; Yield