Ethiopia faces the challenge of increasing agricultural productivity to support its growing population, especially in regions like Sire woreda where small farmers rely on maize and common bean crops. The area grapples with soil degradation, fertility loss, and limited access to agricultural technologies. In response to these challenges, the RAISE-FS project, in partnership with the Melkassa Agricultural Research Centers (MARC), has been implementing various research activities to address these issues.
In an effort to address the pressing challenges faced by small-scale farmers in the woreda, a number of key initiatives have been undertaken to improve crop productivity. One such initiative involves the validation of early and mid-maturing OPV maize varieties using the Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) approach. This approach aims to optimize soil fertility and enhance the performance of maize crops, ultimately leading to improved yields for farmers.
In addition to the validation of maize varieties, another important activity has been the demonstration of maize-common bean intercropping. This practice not only maximizes land use efficiency but also promotes natural pest control and enhances soil fertility. By integrating common bean crops with maize, farmers can diversify their income sources and improve overall farm productivity.
Furthermore, the Participatory Varieties Selection (PVS) of common bean varieties has been carried out to involve farmers in the selection process. This participatory approach ensures that farmers have a say in choosing varieties that best suit their specific needs and growing conditions. By empowering farmers to make informed decisions about the varieties they cultivate, the PVS approach contributes to improved crop performance and overall agricultural sustainability.
Farmers who actively participated in the evaluation and validation of innovative agricultural technologies recently had the opportunity to witness the promising results firsthand. The culmination of their involvement was showcased during a field day event organized on September 22, 2023. The event featured visits to demonstration sites, providing farmers with the opportunity to observe the practical application of the technologies in the field while also sharing their own valuable experiences.
Mr. Kedir Nado, a maize farmer, recently welcomed visitors to his field to showcase the technologies he has been implementing. His field has become a testament to the success of these innovations, and Mr. Kedir was eager to share his thoughts on the impact they have had on his farming practices. Expressing his delight, Mr. Kedir emphasized the significance of the demonstrated technologies, noting that their performance has exceeded that of his in other fields. Initially hesitant to offer his land for the demonstration, he recounted how he was eventually convinced by the MARC team that the showcased technologies would not only benefit him but also neighbouring farmers.
In expressing his gratitude, Mr. Kedir extended his thanks to both the MARC team and the RAISE-FS project for providing him with this valuable opportunity to implement and benefit from these innovative agricultural technologies.
Similarly, Mr. Usman, who hosted the maize-common bean intercropping demonstration, conveyed his genuine enthusiasm for the successful outcome of the experiment. He emphasized that the maize-common bean intercropping method has yielded superior results compared to sole cropping and his own traditional practices. It was evident that Mr. Usman found great value in participating in this innovative agricultural approach.
Dr. Bediru Beshir, the Director of the MARC, expressed his satisfaction with the successful demonstration of agricultural technologies provided to farmers’ fields by the centre. He conveyed his pleasure in observing the contentment of farmers with these technologies and pledged to further collaborate with woreda stakeholders and farmers in the upcoming years. In addition, Dr. Tesfaye Letta, RAISE-FS Oromia liaison office team leader, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the RAISE-FS project to the farmers and all involved stakeholders. Finally, Mr. Bune, the Sire woreda administrator, expressed appreciation for the support from MARC and the RAISE-FS project in demonstrating the agricultural technologies in their woreda. He emphasized the impressive innovations witnessed and his office’s commitment to scaling up the technologies. Furthermore, he encouraged participating farmers to prepare themselves for the scaling up of these technologies and assured them of the woreda’s assistance in ensuring the successful implementation of this endeavour.
In this field day, farmers from two kebeles, head of Sire woreda administrator, woreda agricultural offices experts and head, RAISE-FS regional team, MARC centre director and researchers, EIAR focal person and extension director and OBN media journalist were participated.
RAISE-FS 