Demonstration and Scaling up of In-Situ Moisture Conservation Techniques on Maize (<i>Zea mays L.</i>) Yield in Negele Arsi and Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha Districts

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during 2019 cropping season in six Peasant Associations (PAs) of Negele Arsi and Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha Districts; with objectives of demonstration and scaling up the selected in-situ moisture conservation structures (Tied ridge and furrow closed at both Ends), awareness creation and analyzed the cost benefit. Totally twelve (12) FREG members were established and 600 farmers, 12 animator and 6 DAs were participated on training from six Peasant Associations (PAs). Two FREG members were established in each Peasant Associations (PAs). From these, 240 farmers were from FREG and 360 from non-FREG were participated on introductory training. Totally 100 farmers, 4 DAs and animator, 4 SMS and 32 others were participated on field day from both districts respectively. The mean yield obtained from tied ridge and furrow closed at both ends were 89.55 and 71.69 Qtha -1 at Negele Arsi district and 72.81 and 69.96 Qtha -1 were obtained from Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district respectively. The two-selected in-situ moisture conservation structures were gave a significant yield in both districts. The net benefit obtained from tied ridge, furrow closed at both end were 50,241 and 37,096 ETH Birr ha -1 respectively at NegeleArsi district. In addition, the net benefit obtained from tied ridge and furrow closed at both end were 38,119 and 35,896 ETH Birr ha -1 respectively at Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district. In-situ moisture conservation structures (tied ridge and furrow closed at both Ends) were more economical and better if it is more scale up in the study area and similar agro ecology. Agricultural and natural resource office should have give a great attention to popularized and scaling up this technologies in moisture deficit areas of the districts.