Pre-scaling up of improved faba bean technologies in the highland districts of Guji Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

Pre scaling up of Gebelcho and Walki was conducted in the highland districts of Guji Zone during 2014/15-2015/16 year to increase farmers’ capacity in production and management practices of faba bean. Two kebeles from each two districts namely Bore and Ana Sora were selected purposively based on their potential for faba bean production. From each kebele nine farmers were selected for the activity making it a total of 72 farmers for the two years. Depending on the capacity of farmers 50kg-100kg of faba bean was given for the selected farmers. Around 24.5ha was covered by the crop during the production years. Training was also given for participating farmers and others on production packages of faba bean. Exchange visits and mini field days were arranged for further promotion. The yield gained from the varieties was 33.76qt/ha and 27qt/ha from Gebelcho and Walki respectively. Both varieties were found to be acceptable during field days by farmers due to their disease tolerant capacity. Thus, highland farmers are recommended to use Gebelcho and Walki varieties to increase faba bean production and generate income for their livelihood. Further dissemination of faba bean is expected from seed multipliers in producing quality seed and addressing potential areas.