Farmers’ trait preferences and productivity in common bean technology demonstrations in Central Ethiopia

Farmers’ attitudes and participation in extension activities strongly influence the adoption of common bean technologies. Adoption of improved varieties has remained low due to inadequate consideration of farmers’ preferences under local conditions. This study therefore assessed the performance, farmers’ preferences, and financial viability of selected common bean varieties in Abeshge and Misrak Meskan districts. Using a farmer participatory action research approach, the study was conducted over two years (2021–2022) with 157 purposively selected farmers and 24 demonstration plots. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and grain yield measurements. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including pairwise ranking, technological and extension gap analyses, and partial budget analysis for financial feasibility. In Abeshge, SER-119 and SER-125 out-yielded Nasir, providing a 20.7%–36.5% grain yield advantage. In Misrak Meskan, SER-119 showed a 4.6% yield advantage, though farmers preferred Ibado for its favorable seed color and size. The Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed significant yield differences among varieties (P < 0.01 in Abeshge, P < 0.05 in Misrak Meskan). Kendall’s Tau revealed a perfect alignment between farmers’ preferences and yield performance in Abeshge (τ = 1.00), but a weak negative correlation in Misrak Meskan (τ = -0.333), indicating preference–yield divergence. Financially, SER-119 showed the highest Marginal Rate of Return, making it the most profitable option. The study recommends scaling SER-119 and SER-125 in Abeshge. In Misrak Meskan, despite SER-119’s yield advantage, market resistance due to seed color suggests the need for niche or export market development.