Pre Extension Demonstration of Tef Technologies at Midlands of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Midland area of Guji zone was potential for tef production. However, the productivity of the crop is below its potential at farm level due to lack of improved varieties. To solve this problem demonstration of improved tef varieties were initiated to evaluate yield performance, evaluate profitability of the improved tef technologies and assess farmers’ feedbacks for further development of tef production during 2018/19 and 2019/20 years. Three potential districts were selected based on their tef potential production. From each district two kebeles were selected. 32 experimental farmers were used for this demonstration. Dagim and Tesfa improved varieties were demonstrated with standard check on 10mx10m area. A seed rate of 10kg/ha by a spacing of 20cm between rows, drilling of tef in the line of rows and 121kg/ha of NPS fertilizer was used. Descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA, General Linear Model, qualitative and cost benefit analysis were used to analyze the data. Higher yield (19.06 qt/ha) was obtained from Dagim variety while Tesfa generated 14.09 qt/ha. Lower yield (8.9 qt/ha) was harvested from the standard check. The result of one way ANOVA showed that there was a significance difference in Tesfa variety production at the three districts. The result of the Tukey test indicated that there was a significant difference between Shakiso and Adola district (p=0.012) with Shakiso experimental farmers harvested on average 2.77 quintals of Tesfa more than Adola experimental farmers. The cost benefit analysis result showed that 38,042, 24,464 and 8,058 ETB/ha was obtained from Dagim, Tesfa and Tseday varieties respectively. Early mature, market demand and high yield of tef variety was preferred by farmers in the study area. Farmers selected Tesfa and Tseday as they were slightly early mature variety than Dagim. Tesfa and Tseday varieties were lower yield than Dagim variety. Based on the preference of the farmers, grain yield obtained and returns Dagim and Tesfa varieties were recommended for scaling up in the study area and similar agro-ecologies.