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Demonstrating Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef) Varieties Through a Cluster-based Approach: Yield Performance and Farmer Perceptions in Central Ethiopia
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Abstract
Despite the existence of improved tef varieties, their adoption by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia remains low. This study evaluated the performance of and farmer preferences for two improved tef varieties. This raises the need to conduct further cluster-based large-scale demonstrations of improved varieties. A cluster-based demonstration was conducted in five districts, namely Abeshige, Sodo, Worabe town administration, Misrak Azernet, and Saja Zuria districts. Training for the participant farmers and different stakeholders was provided at each demonstration site. The varieties applied were “boset and dagim”, which are currently productive and high-yielding. The technology packages were applied according to scientific recommendations. The field day was organized at Misrak Azernet district, Yerim kebele demonstration site, to involve key stakeholders and enhance better linkage among relevant actors. The average grain of the improved tef varieties in Misrak Azeernet, Worabe town administration, Sodo, and Saja Zuriya districts were 2060, 1800, 2180, 1790, and 2280 kg/ha, respectively. At three of the five sites, yields exceeded the national average of 1,914 kg/ha. Farmers rated ‘Dagim’ highly for grain yield and marketability (4.9/5), while ‘Boset’ was preferred for early maturity (4.8/5). A field day engaged 168 stakeholders. The cluster approach effectively demonstrated the potential of improved varieties. Concerned bodies are expected to disseminate those varieties further in order to produce quality seed and address potential areas.
Keywords
Cluster; extension demonstration; preference; technology
References
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How to cite this paper
Demonstrating Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef) Varieties Through a Cluster-based Approach: Yield Performance and Farmer Perceptions in Central Ethiopia
How to cite this paper: Getachw Dessalegn Shiferaw. (2026) Demonstrating Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef) Varieties Through a Cluster-based Approach: Yield Performance and Farmer Perceptions in Central Ethiopia. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 10(1), 80-87.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2026.03.009
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