Pre-Extension Demonstration of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Technology in Sankura and Mareko Special District, Central Ethiopia

Background and Objective: In Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Ethiopia, common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are essential for food security and nutrition. The study aimed to demonstrate improved common bean technology in a cluster scenario. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Sankura and Mareko Special District during the main season 2023/2024. Two kebeles from each district were selected to avoid gender bias in the farmer selection process; both male and female farmers were included. Accordingly, training was given to 21 and 18 participants in the Sankura and Mareko Special Districts, respectively. The SER-125 variety with a standard check was used. A plot size of 0.25 ha per variety per farmer was used. The recommended rate of seed (100 kg/ha), NPS (100 kg/ha), and UREA (50 kg/ha) was applied. The spacing between rows and plants was 40 and 10 cm applied, respectively. The number of field day participants was male 22 female 9 and a total of 31. Results: The study results suggested that in the Sankura District, the SER-125 grain yield was 2320 kg/ha, while the standard check yield was 1670 kg/ha. The grain yield of the SER-125 variety was 1650 kg/ha, and the standard check was 1430 kg/ha in the Merako Special District. Farmers ranked the varieties based on their preference criteria like earliness, seed color, pod per plant, seed per pod, marketability, disease tolerance, and grain yield. Farmers was ranked the SER-125 variety first over the standard check. Conclusion: Therefore, SER-125 variety is recommended with its full packages for scaling up and out in the study area and similar agro-ecology.