Pre-scaling Up of Improved Groundnut Variety in Low Lands of West Guji Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted at Abaya district of West Guji zone, Eastern Oromia with the objective of further disseminating the already evaluated and selected variety of groundnut variety, Tole-1 to the farming community. The district was selected purposively based on potentiality and accessibility for Groundnut production. Two potential peasant associations (PA’s), Samaro and Bunnata were selected. A total of 16 trial farmers, eight (8) from each kebeles were selected. Subsequently, 49 farmers were trained by multidisplinary team of Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture researchers on importance of groundnut production, agronomic practices and pre- and post-harvest management. One improved groundnut variety, Tole-1 was planted on 0.25ha (50m x 50m) of 16 trial farmers’ fields. A seed rate of 90kg/ha was used with a line spacing of 10cm and 40cm between plants and rows respectively. Accordingly, in the course of implementation a total of 24 farmers were reached, 360kg seed was delivered and an area of 4ha was covered. Exchange visit was organized in representative potential PA on which a total of 33 participants (28 farmers, 2 researchers and 3 development agents) were attended to share the experience, evaluate the performance and to communicate the progress of the activity. The grain yield performances of improved variety were 27.5 and 29.8 quintals per hectare for Samaro and Bunnata PA’s respectively. The research intervention had contributed to improve food security, livelihood, knowledge and skill of trial farmers. Upon completion of the activity, an exit strategy was designed and district office of agriculture and natural resources was officially invited, and a handed over ceremony was made to ensure its sustainability. Therefore, the study recommends that all concerned bodies should scale up/out this variety in the study districts and similar agroecology to improve the production and productivity of the farming community.