Assessment of Constraints and Farmers’ Perception in Production and Marketing of Improved Forages in the Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Gedio and Halaba Zones, Southern Ethiopia. The objectives were to identify the current status of constraints in improved forage production and marketing in the Southern Ethiopia and to investigate perception of farmers toward improved forage production and marketing. Total of 167 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaire to collect primary data. The study shown that natural pastures, crop residues, hay, improved forages and industrial by-products were the main livestock feed resources. About 75% of the respondents were cultivated improved forages. Among the respondents 95% of respondent the amount of improved forage produce from their own land is not sufficient for feeding their livestock because, 60% of respondents due to shortage of land, 24% of respondent’s shortage of improve forage seed or planting material and the reaming 16% financial problem. Ranked by the respondents (1st) shortage of land, (2nd), shortage of seed or planting materials (3rd), lack of awareness (4th) high cost of feed (5th) no extension service were the major constraints for improved forage cultivation in the study area. In the study area Desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were the main forages cultivated by respondents used for income source. The study concluded that farmers in the study area have a good perception on the importance of improved forage and utilize as one type of animal feed resource by cultivating on land allocated for forage production. Therefore, recommended that effective extension service in terms of seed supply, awareness building and regular technical back-ups is important and should be emphasized to ensure sustainable production and utilization of improved forage crops in the study areas.