Management and uses of farmers' crop varieties were studied in Illu Ababora, Southwest Ethiopia. The study was aimed to document farmers' crop diversity management and uses and to identify factors affecting farmers' decisions related to crop diversity management including varieties that might help mitigate climate change. Semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and field observations were used in gathering data. Sixteen different farmers' varieties were documented. Maize, sorghum, and tef had high varietal diversity. Various factors influencing farmers' diversity management were identified. Adaptability to agro-ecological niches, tolerance to stresses, density, healthiness and aesthetics were found, in combination, to be important parameters used for seed selection or acquisition of particular varieties. The role farmers' varieties and practices in adaptation to climate change impacts and household food security were discussed. The study suggests that supporting and strengthening local innovative farmers' practices, conservation efforts, and crop improvement programs could help farmers adapt to climate change impacts at local level.
Balemie, K
Management and uses of farmers' varieties in Southwest Ethiopia: A Climate change perspective
Indian Journal Of Traditional Knowledge