On-farm diversity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) farmers' varieties in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is considered as the secondary centre of faba bean diversity. However, the extent of its diversity at present time is not well known in the eastern Hararghe Zone. Therefore, survey study was conducted from December 2018 to March 2019 to identify patterns of on-farm diversity of faba bean farmers' varieties and their use; and to assess production attributes, constraints, and role of gender in the production and management of faba bean farmers' varieties in eastern Hararghe Zone. Two stratified agro-ecological zones (Tepid moist mid-highland, M3 and Tepid sub-humid mid-highland, SH3) were selected from the zone. Three Kebeles from each agroecologies were randomly selected. From each Kebele, 12 general informants and two key informants based on their gender and wealth status were selected, making a total of 72 general and 12 key informants, a total of 84 informants. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used for the general and key informants, respectively. Data were collected on use of faba bean, cropping practices, diversity, attributes, and gender roles in production and postharvest handling. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using R (version 3.5.2) software. Eight farmers' varieties of faba bean were identified. Highest varietal diversity (H ' = 1.35) was recorded at Gara Abdula kebele of M3 while the lowest diversity value (H ' = 0.81) was at Obi Kutir 1 kebele of SH3. Variety Safisa was reported for its highest market price (32.8 ETB kg(-1)) and variety Dabale was the highest yielder (1900 kg ha(-1)). Most farmers (94%) use traditional seeds and 72% of farmers grow faba bean on < 0.125 ha land area. Baqela Faranji was the widely (33%) cultivated variety. Diseases (100%), weeds (89%) and land shortage (85%) were the main faba bean production constraints. The male adult and female adult family members play the greatest roles in the production and post-harvest management practices of the crop. It is concluded that farmers grow eight faba bean varieties with varied yield potential and market preference by consumers and the majority of them use informal seeds acquired from family members. The results also revealed that the vast majority of the farmers cultivate the crop on small average landholding of less than 0.2 hectare. The results imply that faba bean production and diversity is constrained by small landholding and lack of quality seeds of high yielding improved varieties.