Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seed Systems in West Hararghe, Eastern Ethiopia

Kedir Oshone

 

Full Length Research Paper  I Published February,2017

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 3 (1), pp.7-14

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Due to limited availability of improved common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed from the formal sector, smallholder farmers in the Hararghe highlands of Eastern Ethiopia usually rely on farmers managed seed systems (FMSS). However, detailed information on how different seed systems function, the challenges faced and the opportunities exist to design and implement development interventions are generally limited. The objective of this study was to identify common bean seed systems used by small holder farmers in the study areas. A survey questionnaire was used to gather information by interviewing 120 seed producers household heads either under sole or intercrop. Multistage sampling technique was used to select farmers. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results shown that major criteria of farmers’ used to select good quality seed were almost similar across districts and respondents for both cropping systems. Regardless of cropping system, farmers used multiple seed sources. For about 57% of farmers’, the initial seed stocks were inherited from their ancestors. In 2011 cropping season, informal seed system was the predominant seed source for about 89% of farmers among which own saved seed (39%) was the dominant. Pre- and post-harvest seed handling practices, criteria used to select good quality seed and perception about seed quality were similar among farmers across districts. On the other hand, slight differences were found among respondents for seed sources and storage practices. Creating awareness and building capacity of farmers and other actors on various issues related to seed production, processing and handling of farmers managed seed systems are suggested to boost the production and productivity of the crop in the study areas.

Key Words: Cropping systems, Farmer’s seed, Intercropping, Seed storage and Seed sources.
 

Full Text-PDF