Large Scale Demonstration of Improved Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Technology in Cheaha District and Worabe Town Administration

Background and Objective: Worabe agricultural research center conducted different activities related to tef adaptation and demonstration, and research endeavours. However, the dissemination of improved tef varieties that are preferred by farmers is very minimal. This raises the need to conduct further cluster-based large-scale demonstrations of improved varieties. The main aim of this study was to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of improved Tef (Eragrostis tef) technologies under farmers’ conditions in the Cheaha District and Worabe Town Administration. Materials and Methods: Cluster-based large-scale demonstration of improved tef technology was conducted in Cheaha and Worabe Town Administration in 2024/2025. Accordingly, Wurerbar and Fuge Achiraye Kebele were selected from Cheaha District and Worabe Town Administration, respectively. One unit of farmers’ research extension groups (FREG) and two units of FREGs were established in Cheaha and Worabe Town Administration, respectively. Training for the participant farmers, Das, extension experts, and researchers was given at each tef cluster site. The field day was organized by participating farmers, development agents, extension agents, researchers, unions, and decision-making bodies in both clusters. The Areka-1 variety was used in both locations. Results: The results of descriptive statistics revealed that the average yields of tef variety Areka-1 were 2246 and 1818 kg/ha in Cheaha and Worabe Town Administration, respectively. As the results of farmers’ perception show that the variety in both locations is perceived positively based on the farmers’ perception criteria. The yields obtained at each cluster site were greater than the national average yield and district production. Conclusion: Thus, it is recommended that it is better to disseminate and address wide areas of the community through extension systems in a sustainable manner, including agronomic practices. Farmers should use wheat in a clustered form for better management to increase their wheat production and generate more income to improve their livelihood.