The challenges of farmers’ varieties of tef (eragrostis tef (zucc.) trotter) production and on farm conservation in North -West Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

A field survey was conducted during 2019 in four Administrative Zone, namely East and West Gojam, North and South Godar Zone of 12 woredas (District) in 16 Kebeles (the smallest administrative structure). The objectives of the study were to identify and evaluate the causes of genetic erosions and the degree of threatened varieties of tef. In addition, assessment conducted on the conservation and constraints of growing of farmers varieties of tef [ Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] in northwestern Amhara region has also the part of the study.During the surve 332 (male 313 and female 19) households were participated in the interview and group discussion and the reveal of the study was 35 farmers’varieties of tef, 30-50 years old in the area were identified as under threatened; especially; in vernacular name or local language called Key tef ( Dabo tef ), Ancharo, Murie, Emblabish and Fesho were highly eroded.76.5% factor for the erosion of land race of tef cultivar was introduction of improved varieties. And the second and the third causes for erosion of land race were Climate change and bad weather (drought, floods etc), logging problem & introduction of improved varieties 9% and 4.8% respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was further computed using SPSS version 23 software. And practice and awareness on conservation of farmers’ varieties didn’t show any significant effect statistically (p≥0.05). However, factors that render for the erosion and identification of threatened farmer variety of tef at least 30-50 years old in the study area has show significant effect statistically (p≤0.05). Generally, farmers’ varieties of tef have declined and some of them have disappeared. In situ conservation measures such as on farm planted of crops are very important methods for conserving local agrobiodiversity. Active community participation in integrated agro- biodiversity resource management, facilitation of innovative ideas of change agencies and favourable state policy support are essential elements in on-farm conservation and sustainable use. This conservation strategy should emphasize farmer’s responsibility for the maintenance and sustainable utilization of diversity. Thus, in future I recommend that conservation of agro-biodiversity, sustainable protection measures based on local communities should be considered and adopted and develop packages for farmers’ varieties and promoting awareness creation and on farm conservation practice in regular existing extension system.