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Discoveries in Agriculture and Food Sciences - Vol. 12, No. 5
Publication Date: October 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/dafs.125.17656.
Beji, Y. K., & Alemayehu, S. (2024). Engaging Agro-Pastoralists in Seed Business: Community-Based Onion Seed Production under
Irrigated Conditions in Gelealo District, Afar. Discoveries in Agriculture and Food Sciences, 12(5). 69-85.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Engaging Agro-Pastoralists in Seed Business: Community-Based
Onion Seed Production under Irrigated Conditions in Gelealo
District, Afar
Yitages Kuma Beji
Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute,
Werer Agricultural Research Center; P.o.box 2003, Addis Abeba Werer, Ethiopia
Shimelis Alemayehu
Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute,
Werer Agricultural Research Center; P.o.box 2003, Addis Abeba Werer, Ethiopia
ABSTRACT
Ethiopia's varied agro-ecological zones which support onion cultivation,
contributing significantly to the economy. However, challenges persist within
Ethiopia's seed supply system, particularly in regions like the Gelealo District, Afar,
where agro-pastoral livelihoods predominate. To address these challenges, a
community-based onion seed production activity was initiated, employing a
comprehensive approach during the 2023/24 cropping season using Nafis variety.
The activity involved the formation of PAPREGs, baseline assessments, capacity- building, onion seed production implementation, hands-on field day events for
knowledge dissemination. The collected data were analyzed using SAS statistical
software. Despite prevalent onion cultivation, experience in seed production was
limited (93.33%), highlighting the need for skill enhancement via theoretical and
practical training. Through practical sessions, about 40 participants gained insights
into seed acquisition patterns and production techniques, stimulating discussions
on community-based seed production to optimize agricultural outcomes. Statistical
analysis comparing kebele groups within PAPREGs demonstrated significant
differences in yield and yield-related traits, suggesting varying productivity
potentials. The independent sample t-test of yield and yield related traits were
showed advantage of Beidi over Debel PAPREGs. Accordingly, Beidi PAPREGs have
an advantage of 200, 69.57, 36.68 and 51.37 percent over Debel for SYPP, NUPP, UD,
and LMS, respectively. The activity attracted diverse stakeholders, and a cost- benefit analysis indicated substantial net profits, affirming the economic viability
of onion seed production. In this case, the CBR of 4.976 reflects a favorable return,
demonstrating that onion seed production is economically viable and yields
substantial profits relative to the initial investment. Insights from PAPREGs
emphasized their commitment to the project and underscored the importance of
continued support from research centers. Lessons drawn highlighted the efficacy of
utilizing underground water for irrigation, stakeholder integration, rapid learning
capacities, and the value of local information dissemination systems. Future focuses
include enhancing pest and animal controlling, and continuous training. In
conclusion, the PAPREGs activity has laid a robust foundation for onion seed
production enhancement, with recommendations poised to bolster onion
productivity, economic stability, and resilience in the study area, emphasizing the
vital of community engagement and innovation.
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Discoveries in Agriculture and Food Sciences (DAFS) Vol 12, Issue 5, October- 2024
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Keywords: PAPREGs, Income generation, Field Day, Demonstration, Seed Germination
Percentage.
INTRODUCTION
In Ethiopia, with its diverse agro-ecological zones, onions thrive, offering both nutritional and
economic benefits to local communities. The practice of community-based onion seed
production has emerged as a pivotal component in enhancing agricultural productivity and
ensuring food security in the region. However, the Ethiopian seed supply system remains
inadequate, primarily focusing on a limited range of crops, thus failing to meet the diverse seed
demands of smallholder farmers (Abebe Atilaw and Ligalem Korbu, 2011; ATA annual report,
2016).
The informal sector significantly contributes to the widespread distribution of seeds to
numerous farmers. Local suppliers, unorganized markets, and imported seeds largely fulfill the
demand for onion seeds, rather than the formal Ethiopian Seed Enterprise (ESE). Public sector
entities, particularly the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) of Werer
Agricultural Research Center, primarily provide onion seeds to small-scale irrigation farmers
for pre-scaling activities (Nigussie, et al., 2015).
Efforts by farmers' cooperatives have helped bridge the gap between seed demand and supply,
with activities such as community-based seed production proving effective in delivering high- quality seeds adapted to local conditions (MacRobert, 2008; Hamsalu Ayana et al., 2013).
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly within the informal seed system,
which plays a significant role in onion cultivation but lacks rigorous quality control measures,
leading to the spread of pests and diseases (Megersa Habtamu, 2017; Mamaru Tesfaye, 2023).
To address these challenges, improved seed production and dissemination systems are
essential, alongside efforts to educate farmers on the benefits of certified seeds and the
development of resistant onion cultivars. This introduction underscores the urgency of
addressing these issues to ensure the sustainable production of onions and the overall well- being of Ethiopia's agricultural sector. Access to quality seeds is vital for agricultural
productivity and food security, making activities like the community-based onion seed
production crucial for the region's development (Lemma Desalegn and Shimelis Akililu, 2003).
Therefore, this research aims to address the challenges posed by the informal seed system in
Ethiopia specially Gelealo district of Afar region, particularly concerning onion production, to
ensure sustainable agriculture and the overall well-being of the agricultural sector. The limited
availability of quality seeds, especially in regions like Gelealo District, Afar, characterized by
agro-pastoral livelihoods and semi-arid climatic conditions, has negatively impacted onion
yields and the income of agro-pastoralists. To mitigate these challenges, the study seeks to
evaluate the implementation and outcomes of an agro-pastoral community-based onion seed
production activity. This activity leverages irrigated farming practices to engage agro- pastoralists in seed business activities. The research focuses on assessing the effectiveness of
this activity and its implications for sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Additionally, the study aims to explore the need for improved seed production and
dissemination systems that balance accessibility with quality control. Efforts to educate agro-
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Beji, Y. K., & Alemayehu, S. (2024). Engaging Agro-Pastoralists in Seed Business: Community-Based Onion Seed Production under Irrigated
Conditions in Gelealo District, Afar. Discoveries in Agriculture and Food Sciences, 12(5). 69-85.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/dafs.125.17656
pastoralists on the risks associated with informal seeds and the benefits of certified seeds, as
well as the demonstration of resistant onion cultivars and integrated pest management
strategies, are crucial components. This report evaluates the implementation and outcomes of
the activity, aiming to provide insights into its effectiveness and implications for sustainable
agriculture and rural development.
Objectives
• To demonstrate community-based onion seed production using participatory approach
• To create awareness on community-based onion seed production and enhance agro- pastoralists' access to quality seed of superior variety,
• To evaluate the profitability of onion seed production under irrigated condition of
Gelealo district.
METHODOLOGY
Description of the Study Area
The experiment was conducted in the Gelealo district during the 2023/24 cropping season. The
area is situated in the Afar National Regional State, specifically in Zone-3 known as Gelealo,
positioned 310 km northeast of Addis Ababa. Its altitude was approximately 740 meters above
sea level (m.a.s.l.). The mean annual temperature was recorded at 34°C, with mean annual
rainfall and evapotranspiration measured at 560 mm and 2600 mm, respectively. The weather
was characterized by long, hot, and dry conditions, with rainfall being highly erratic.
Figure 1: Location Map of Study Area
Pastoral and Agro Pastoral Research Extension Group (PAPREG) Establishment
Agro-pastoralists selected in the Gelealo districts were participants in the study. The study was
conducted with a group of agro-pastoralists chosen arbitrarily. A Pastorals and Agro-pastorals,
Research and Extension Groups (PAPREGs) were formed with the assistance of development