Evaluation of Women’s Contribution in Agroforestry Demonstration through Moringa Species Introduction in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Agroforestry technologies are very keen practices in most small-scale farming systems where gender issues are not well considered in most developing countries. Moringa is a tropical plant that consists of 13 species, while five of them are found in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the potential and contribution of women in agroforestry demonstrations where Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala are introduced in farmers’ fields. Selection of the best performing moringa species and preferred by farmers for further scaling up was also another objective. The activity was conducted in five districts of west and east Wallagga zones. A total of 10 FREG comprising 150 farmers were established. The two moringa species were planted on 100 farmers’ fields where 50 women and 50 men were purposively selected and given responsibilities of moringa demonstration. Leaflets and practical training on moringa production, importance and utilization were prepared and given to all concerned bodies. 84% of women and only 32% of men effectively demonstrated the moringa species. A total of 200 farmers were interviewed to evaluate and select the best from the two species depending on their growth performance, fresh leaf taste and odor, and survival rate. Based on the above criteria, 143 (71.5%) farmers preferred Moringa oleifera. In general, the two moringa species were performed well in most places, and its utilization started at household level. Finally, the authors recommend that women are the potential for demonstrating agroforestry technologies, and Moringa oleifera is a more preferred species in western Oromia.