Demonstration and Promotion of Improved Maize (Zea mays) Varieties for Green Ear Production: Evidence from the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

Maize is the third most consumed cereal in the world and an important source of carbohydrates, making it an energy-producing food source. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate and promote the use of improved maize varieties for green ear production. Participatory action research was employed as the research design. Sites and farmers are selected purposefully based on maize production potential and farmers' willingness to allocate their land and labor to implement the activity. Two improved maize varieties, Jibat and Ambo, were demonstrated and promoted using their full recommendation package. Green maize production has increased significantly because of its profitability. To ensure food security and revenue for urban and semi-urban populations, maize green ear production work was demonstrated and promoted in kebeles such as Mede Gudina, Birbirsa Siba, and Sademo on a land area of 0.6 ha. As a result, the findings of this study revealed that maize green ear production provided significant income and a high return for farmers. The production cost of maize green ear harvested at the dough stage in Mede Kebele is 38,610.80 ETB, but the income is 345,389.20 ETB. This shows that the maize green ear production business is profitable and feasible. However, production can be constrained by several factors, such as the time of harvest, fertilizer, irrigation requirements, variety selection, and disease. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that future research and interventions should pay special attention to the factors mentioned earlier. Overall, expanding the green ear business to other study areas and similar agroecological regions can contribute to food security, income generation, and job opportunities, ultimately alleviating poverty.