Research Article
Bread Wheat Variety Demonstration and Evaluation: Empirical Evidences on Farmers Preferences, Productivity and Profitability in Central Ethiopia Region
Tesfahun Fikre*
,
Dirshaye Hailu
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-12
Received:
16 December 2024
Accepted:
31 December 2024
Published:
21 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jwer.20251401.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate bread wheat varieties preferred among farmers to enhance productivity and economic gains. Employing a participatory action research approach, bread wheat technologies were demonstrated and evaluated for two consecutive years in Sodo and Mareko Special districts. A total of 125 purposively selected farmers participated in 20 on-farm demonstrations. Data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative methods, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and grain yield measurements. Analysis included descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage) and inferential statistics one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Evaluation of bread wheat varieties utilized techniques like pair-wise ranking, technological gap index, and extension gap. Financial feasibility was assessed through partial budget analysis. Results showed that Dursa and Deka bread wheat varieties consistently outperformed Kakaba (check) in grain yield and technological performance, with significant differences noted in Sodo and Mareko Special districts. In both districts, Dursa and Deka exhibited a mean grain yield advantage ranging from 16.2% to 56.15% over Kakaba, respectively. In addition, the ANOVA test result also reveals there is a statistically significant difference in the grain yield of the demonstrated varieties at (P= 0.001). Furthermore, a Tukey HSD post-hoc test revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in grain yield of the varieties except between Dursa and Deka varieties with (P=0.0942). In direct matrix ranking of the varieties, farmers top ranked Deka and Dursa varieties for their higher grain yield and early maturity traits in Sodo and Mareko Special districts respectively. Moreover, a Spearman's correlation coefficient validates the reliability of farmers' assessments in predicting variety performance. Financially, Dursa demonstrates superior profitability, highlighted by a higher Marginal Rate of Return (MRR), emphasizing its financial viability for smallholder farmers in Mareko Special district. In Sodo district, as Deka exhibits a consistent superiority in yield and farmers preference While in Mareko Special district, Dursa exhibits higher yield, farmer’s preference and economic viability. Thus,, the study recommends for further dissemination and promotion of Deka and Dursa bread wheat varieties in Sodo and Mareko Special districts, respectively, than Kakaba variety by concerned bodies such as zonal and district level agriculture offices, NGO’s and seed enterprises in the study areas.
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate bread wheat varieties preferred among farmers to enhance productivity and economic gains. Employing a participatory action research approach, bread wheat technologies were demonstrated and evaluated for two consecutive years in Sodo and Mareko Special districts. A total of 125 purposively selected farmers participated in...
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