AgriScience Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology
Pre-Extension Demonstration and Evaluation of Lowland Bamboo Technologies in West and Kellem Wollega Zones
Abstract
Temam Mama, Kemiso Dirbaba and Wegene Negese
The demonstration was conducted at Dale Sadi and Sayo of Kellem Wollega and Lalo Asabi from west Wollega with the objectives to demonstrate and evaluate the adaptation potential of lowland bamboo technology under farmer management conditions, raise awareness, and gather farmer feedback’s for future technology development and enhancement in specific places. Two PA’s were specifically chosen from each of the selected districts, and a FRG with 15–20 members was formed at each PA. Three trail farmers were chosen from the established FRG of each PA, and each trail farmer at each PA received a cutting of two bamboo species—D. hamlitoni and D. memebranceous—that were grown at nearby nurseries. Data on survival rate and farmers feed-backs were collected. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and matrix ranking. Results show that D. hamlitoni had a greater mean survival rate in the study areas. Farmers also chose D. hamlitoni based on its suitability for handicrafts and furniture. .However, D. memebranceous was chosen by farmers due to its ability to tiller more, use in construction, more culm diameter, rapid growth, and stem strength. In general, both species should be simultaneously disseminated in the study areas because they both have special benefits for farmers.
