ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS CONCERNING POTATO FARMING SYSTEMS IN NORTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Aim of the study The main objective of the study here presented was to assess and investigate farmers’ perceptions concerning potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farming systems in North Western Ethiopia. Materials and methods Secondary and primary sources of data were collated. Results and conclusions It was determined that 9.8% of the farmers in the studied group were engaged in off farm activities. These farmers had an average potato production experience of 36.81 years, average livestock number of 5.17 head, and average farm size, of 1.63ha. On average, they allotted 0.47 ha (28.83%) of their land for potato production. The dominant potato growing season was the main season (65.1%), followed by irrigation season (25.7%), and the season with residual moisture (9.2%). 16.6% of the produced potato crops were used as seeds, 48.55% were used for household consumption and 25.73% were sold in the nearby market at a very low price (2.17 Birr/kg), as the source of income. On average, there were two commonly grown varieties per farmer. They were abandoning local potato varieties, which had different quality attributes that would make them suitable for various livestock breeding and agronomy programmes, and which would best fit the degraded lands. Farmers ploughed their land 3.34 times before planting the potatoes, and used 2.13 t/ha potato seeds at planting as seed rate. 14.4% of the farmers used their own seeds, 73.5% purchased seeds from the market nearby, 10.2% bought seeds from their neighbours, and 1.9% from the agricultural offices. Most farmers (63.0%) applied fertilization, crop rotation mainly with potato (35.1%), and used terracing technique (1.9%) as a traditional technique of soil fertility management. Generally, farmers in the surveyed area believed that potato improved soil fertility and protected their soils from erosion. Further studies should be conducted, in order to minimize the amount of ploughing in potato production. NGOs, GOs, and universities should take up the responsible task of multiplying and disseminating improved potato seeds, and preserving important local varieties. Training opportunities should also be given to farmers, instructing them on the production and usage of certified potato seeds in potato production.