On-Farm Demonstration of Improved Forage Varieties in Selected Districts of Southwest Ethiopia

Livestock production is a critical component of Ethiopia's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security, income generation, and livelihoods. However, livestock productivity remains constrained by inadequate availability of high-quality forage, particularly during dry seasons. This study evaluated the adaptability and productivity of three improved forage varieties—Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Desho Grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum), and Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)—in selected districts of Southwest Ethiopia. The on-farm demonstration involved 25 smallholder farmers across five kebeles in Shey Bench and Menit Goldiya districts. Farmers were trained in improved forage cultivation, management, and utilization, and data on biomass yield, plant height, and tiller density were collected. Results indicated that Elephant Grass produced the highest biomass yield (20-25 tons/ha/year), followed by Desho Grass (12-15 tons/ha/year) and Rhodes Grass (8-12 tons/ha/year). Farmers reported significant improvements in livestock health, milk production, and dry-season feed availability due to the adoption of these forages. Desho Grass was particularly noted for its soil conservation benefits, while Rhodes Grass demonstrated resilience in low-fertility soils. Farmers expressed strong interest in scaling up adoption, emphasizing the need for continued training and access to planting materials. The study highlights the potential of improved forage varieties to enhance livestock productivity, improve soil fertility, and support sustainable land management practices in Southwest Ethiopia. Recommendations include scaling out these varieties, providing continuous farmer training, integrating improved forages into national agricultural policies, and conducting further research to evaluate long-term performance under diverse agroecological conditions. This initiative underscores the importance of improved forage technologies in addressing feed shortages and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.