Abstract

This study was conducted at Bule Hora district of West Guji zone, Southern Oromia with the objective of further disseminating the already evaluated and selected variety maize, Jibat (AMH-851) to the farming community. The district was selected purposively based on potentiality and accessibility for maize production; and two potential peasant associations (PAs), Hera Liphitu and MetiTokuma were selected. A total of 20 trial farmers, 10 from each PAs were selected. Subsequently, 86 farmers were trained by multidisplinary team of Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture researchers (Breeder, Agronomist, Economist and Extensionist) on importance of maize production, agronomic practices and pre and post-harvest management of this variety.  One variety of maize, Jibat was planted on 0.25 ha on each 20 farmers’ fields. A seed rate of 25 kg/ha and 100 diammonium phosphate (DAP) kg/ha were used with a line spacing of 75 and 25 cm between plants and rows, respectively. Accordingly, in the course of implementation, a total of 20 farmers were reached, 125 kg seed was delivered and an area of 5 ha was covered. Field day was organized in representative potential PAs on which a total of 113 participants (80 farmers from trial and non-trial, 3 researcher, 18 development agents (Das) and 12 stakeholders including GOs and NGOs) attended to share experience, evaluate the performance and to communicate the progress of the activity. The overall grain yield performances of Jibat variety was 4.1 tons/ha-2 on farmers’ field. The research intervention had contributed to improve food security, livelihood and knowledge and skill of trial farmers. Upon completion of the activity an exit strategy was designed and respective district office of agriculture and natural resources were officially invited to discuss its sustainability. Based on this study, it is evidently clear that the Jibat maize variety should be scaled up in the farming community to improve livelihood.

Key words: Pre-scaling up, multidisplinary, Jibat, BuleHora.