HU had Conducted a Technology Demonstration Field Day

Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 October 2009 14:57 Wednesday, 21 October 2009 14:46

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HU had Conducted a Technology Demonstration Field Day at Mieso Woreda, West Hararghe Zone of Oromia

Haramaya University is working hard to increase production and productivity and to improve the livelihood of communities operating in different agro-ecologies of Eastern Ethiopia. With a financial support from the Ministry of Water Resources, and Science and Technology Commission, the university has been running projects on In-field Rainwater Harvesting Technologies at Mieso, Babile, Dire Dawa and Jijiga.

 

The University conducted a technology demonstration field day on October 11, 2009 at Mieso. More than 50 farmers from Mieso Woreda, development agents working in the area, Woreda officials, experts of the Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, representatives from Chiro ATVET College participated in the field day. The President, Vice President for Administration and Development, Research Group Director, Farming Systems and Extension Officers and researchers of the University have also attended the field day.

It is observed that the water harvesting technologies demonstrated in the field day have enabled farmers to increase the yield of maize, sorghum and common bean as compared to the conventional tillage which is practiced by the farmers. The principal investigator, Dr. Kindie Tesfaye, stated that, in-field water harvesting technologies can give a yield increase of up to 207%, 200% and 196% for sorghum, maize and common bean, respectively over the conventional tillage (control).

 

The participants of the field day observed the maize, sorghum and common bean water harvesting experiments at Mieso and were impressed by the stand of the crops. The farmers and development workers were able to see the striking difference between the demonstrated technology and traditional conventional tillage system.

 

During the discussion, the farmers and development workers appreciated the effort made by Haramaya University to introduce them to new technologies that help them increase their production and productivity, adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods. They also requested the university to provide them with viable technologies on livestock, poultry, and apiculture. The University president, Prof. Belay Kassa, and the Vice President for Administration and Development, Dr. Belaineh Legesse, promised to the farmers that Haramaya University would continue working closely with them and assist the famers, agro-pastoralists and pastoralists living in moisture stressed areas by developing appropriate technologies suitable to their environment. 

 

According to Dr. Belaineh Legesse, Haramaya University will take over Chiro ATVET College very soon and this will allow HU to focus on areas like Mieso and assist the surrounding community through appropriate technology development and extension to win the battle against poverty. Dr. Belaineh also told the participants of the field day that Haramaya University is a willing partner in the development process!