Climate smart Agriculture Interventions in Selected Agricultural Growth Program-II Districts of Harari Region and Dire Dawa Administration: Double Cropping Practices

Climate smart technology intervention in production and productivity enhancement of agriculture sector for small holder farmers’ livelihood improvement is indispensable options. Taking this in consideration the double cropping practice research activity was undertaken with objectives of evaluate the productivity and profi tability of double cropping practice technology under farmers condition, build farmers’ knowledge and skill of different crop combination production and management practice and strengthen stakeholders linkages and collaboration among stakeholders. A total of fi fteen (15) trial and follower farmers were selected and organized as form of Farmers Research Groups. Improved varieties of common bean (KATB-1 and Batu) and sorghum (Melkam and Local) were replicated on the plot of 10mx10m. The yield performance of the improved varieties (Batu, KATB-1, Melkam and Local sorghum) were 12.13, 13.43, 31.91 and 26.57qt/ha at Sofi , and 12.13, 13.66, 31.96 and 26.47qt/ha at Wahil, respectively. The double cropping practices preferred as it diversify the crop, more yield obtained, and shorter crop cycle, better to cope up the dry spell, effi cient use of land, reduce risks of striga and reduce risk of bird infestation. Moreover, based on the obtained result, Batu, KATB-1 and Melkam combination preferred by farmers since they could able to harvest twice within single season. From knowledge point of view the mean score for knowledge test before intervention and after intervention is 4.47 and 7.37 respectively. The result of paired-sample t-test indicates a signifi cant difference between the mean score for knowledge test before intervention and after intervention at 1% signifi cant level. This implies an improvement of farmers’ knowledge regarding the improved sorghum and Haricot-bean varieties as double cropping technologies due to technological intervention. Therefore, it is batter to be promoted and scale-up on wider area and reach large number of farmers. Research Article Climate smart Agriculture Interventions in Selected Agricultural Growth ProgramII Districts of Harari Region and Dire Dawa Administration: Double Cropping Practices Ibsa Aliyi Usmane*, Abdulaziz Teha Umer, Nasir Siraj, Oromiya Magersa, Badaso Urgesa and Tashoma Urge Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Fadis Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box 904, Harar, Ethiopia Received: 29 October, 2020 Accepted: 18 January, 2021 Published: 19 January, 2021 *Corresponding author: Ibsa Aliyi Usmane, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Fadis Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box 904, Harar, Ethiopia, E-mail:

To alleviate this problem experiment have been done at Fedis on evaluation of suitable double cropping combination and mung-bean, haricot bean and cowpea were found to be economically and ecologically convenient in the area as preceding crops followed by early maturing sorghum in the area [5]. Therefore, farmers' participation in technology promotion is very important to be acceptance by the whole community of the areas through applying preceding and succeeding crops that conducted on station under the control of the researchers during 'Belg' and 'Meher' season as a result; this research activity was conducted with the following objectives.

Objectives
To evaluate the productivity and profi tability of double cropping practice technology under farmers' condition.
To build farmers' knowledge and skill of different crop combination production and management practice To strengthen stakeholders linkages and collaboration among stakeholders.

Materials and methods
This pre-extension demonstration of double cropping practices was conducted selected districts of Dire Dawa administration and Harari Region.  Table 1.

Technology evaluation and demonstration methods/ technique
The evaluation and demonstration of the trials were conducted on farmers' fi elds to create awareness about the double cropping practices. The evaluation and demonstration of the trials were followed process demonstration approach by involving FRGs, development agents and experts at different growth stage of the crop. The activity was jointly monitored by FRGs, researchers, experts and development agents Table 2.

Experimental design and implementation procedures
Land preparation was done by tractor-powered and animal traction systems. The land was ploughed and smoothened to bring the soil to fi ne tilth and tie ridge was made in order to conserve moisture. The plots was laid out as per plan and plots was bunded lightly to prevent the entry of runoff water. Seeds of sorghum were drilled in the row of 75 cm between rows and 15-20 cm between plants and the spacing was the same for variability and change as the sector is mainly rain-fed and climate dependent [2]. According to CSA [3] in terms of adoption, most of the climate smart agriculture practices and technologies identifi ed have low to medium on farm adoption rates, despite their potential benefi ts to adaptation, productivity increase and mitigation efforts. Many of the key barriers to widespread adoption include limited or no access to productive inputs (improved seeds and fertilizer), lack of access to credit, lack of adequate machinery and technology (e.g. row planters), low access to formal markets to sell produce, and limited extension service quality and access particularly in relation to climate smart agriculture. What so ever, mono-cropping of sorghum whether it is long or early maturing is their usual practice which aggravates the infestation of striga in case of susceptible varieties and has risk of crop failure in most cases due to erratic and unreliable rainfall [4].
Basically, the farming system should be revised in the cropping areas of Fedis, and similar dry lowlands of Hararghe.
Since eight-month-cycle sorghum being rain-fed, is simply late maturing and too vulnerable to pests and dependent on rainfall patterns. A reorientation towards shorter cycle crops like early maturing sorghum, pulses and oil crops would help farmer's better cope with the climatic hazards of the area [4]. The degree of climate change impacts on agricultural production differs among crops and agricultural systems [5].
A study conducted by Melaku, et al. [6]at country level in

Data collection and analysis
Qualitative data were collected through personal fi eld observation, individual interview, Focus Group Discussion by using checklist and. Quantitative data were data collected by data sheet tools. Quantitative data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (Mean, Frequency and Percentage) while the qualitative data were analyzed using narrative explanation.

Agronomic and yield performance
The following  Table   4.
The average yield performance of Melkam is higher than local sorghum at Sofi and Wahil even though double harvest were obtained from the plot of Melkam but single harvest from the plot of local sorghum variety.
Economic analysis Table 5.

Knowledge test
A simple knowledge test items were developed based on the contents of training and production package practices.
Knowledge level of participant farmers regarding improved maize production technologies was measured before and after implementation. Score of 1 given for correct answers and 0 for incorrect answers. As presented by Table 9 below, the percentage of respondents for correct answers is increased after intervention, while the percentage for incorrect answers is decreased Tables 10.

Discussion
In   Mono cropping ,less yield obtained ,longer crop cycle, vulnerable to erratic rain fall, leave the land idle ,maximize the risks of striga and maximize the risk of bird infestation  Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy