Training report on climate smart feed and forage innovations at Basona Worena Woreda, North Shewa Zone Temesgen Alene, Kindu Mekonnen, Million Gebreyes and Haimanot Seifu International Livestock Research Institute July 2024 ©2024 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) ILRI thanks all donors and organizations which globally support its work through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund. This publication is copyrighted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). It is licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence. To view this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0. Unless otherwise noted, you are free to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format), adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material) for any purpose, even commercially, under the following condition: ATTRIBUTION. The work must be attributed, but not in any way that suggests endorsement by ILRI or the author(s). NOTICE: For any reuse or distribution, the license terms of this work must be made clear to others. Any of the above conditions can be waived if permission is obtained from the copyright holder. Nothing in this license impairs or restricts the author’s moral rights. Fair dealing and other rights are in no way affected by the above. The parts used must not misrepresent the meaning of the publication. ILRI would appreciate being sent a copy of any materials in which text, photos etc. have been used. Cover photo—Caption (photo credit: ILRI/Temesgen Alene). Alene, T., Mekonnen, K., Gebreyes, M. and Seifu, H.2024. Training report on climate smart feed and forage innovations at Basona Worena Woreda, North Shewa Zone. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI. https://www.cgiar.org/funders https://www.cgiar.org/funders https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Objectives of the training ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 The approach to the training ................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Summary of the presentation ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Conventional cultivated forage production and utilization in the Ethiopian highlands .................................................................... 4 Integrated forage production methods in the Ethiopian highlands ................................................................................................... 5 Crop residues management and nutritional improvement techniques ............................................................................................ 5 Forage seed production ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Composition and number of training participants ............................................................................................................................... 6 Reflections and lessons learned ........................................................................................................................................................... 7 Way forward ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Annex ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Despite having one of the highest number of livestock in Africa, the Ethiopian traditional livestock management system is not responding to the expected contributions of the sector. Difficulties of getting reliable and quality livestock feed resources, poor post-harvest feed handling, and utilization practices are critical constraints of Ethiopia’s livestock sector, along with other key constraints such as animal health and breeding services. The feed resource base in the mixed farming system of the Ethiopian highlands has been declining due to the continual conversion of grazing lands to arable lands and concomitant loss of fertility/land degradation on the remaining pasture lands. This has forced farmers to heavily rely on feeding crop residues to their livestock. For a sustainable improvement in crop-livestock productivity, it is therefore imperative to improve the feed resource base of the mixed farming system in the highlands by introducing well-adapted and high yielding fodder crops and efficient utilization practices (Mekonnen et al., 2021). Lack of knowledge and awareness about the benefits and methods of cultivation and utilization practices for feed and forage related technologies is among key constraints of the sector. This necessitates continued capacity building for farmers and extension staff to create awareness and build their technical capacity. Therefore, training was organized for farmers and Kebele development agents on feed and forage innovation at Basona Worena Woreda of Noth Shewa zone. The participants were from Chiraro Debir, Abamote, Gudo Beret and Dibute Kebeles. Objectives of the training  To equip farmers and Kebele development agents on knowledge and skills of cultivated fodder production, management and utilization.  To familiarize trainees on crop residues management and nutritional improvement techniques.  To train farmers and development agents on integrated forage production methods in Ethiopian highlands.  To familiarize the participants on basic concepts of forage seed production techniques. The approach to the training A PowerPoint slide presentation using the translated Amharic version of the training material was the main approach used during the whole theoretical training sessions. Additionally, photos and videos from previous Africa RISING project and last year mixed farming systems (MFS) initiative activities were also used to show the experience of successful farmers on feed and forage innovations. Summary of the presentation Conventional cultivated forage production and utilization in the Ethiopian highlands Presenter: Zegeye W/Agegnehu Zegeye’s first presentation emphasized the growing importance of cultivated forages for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. These forages offer a multi-pronged benefit. Forages can be cultivated as a cash crop, providing an additional source of income. Beyond economic advantages, cultivated forages contribute positively to the environment. They help mitigate climate change by reducing methane emissions from livestock, while also increasing carbon sequestration and improving overall soil health. The presentation outlined the two main production methods – rainfed and irrigated – and delved into the essential practices involved in cultivating forages. This included selecting suitable forage species for the specific context, preparing the planting site, proper planting techniques, and ongoing management practices. Notably, the presentation provided specific recommendations for well-adapted forage varieties in the Ethiopian highlands, including details on planting, harvesting, and expected yields. Read more: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149347 Integrated forage production methods in the Ethiopian highlands Presenters: Etenesh Getachew and Meseret Girma Etenesh and Meseret's second presentation explored various integrated forage production techniques particularly suited to the Ethiopian highlands. These techniques aim to maximize land use and optimize forage production. Some methods involve planting forages alongside existing crops, like under-sowing (planting legumes after a main crop) or intercropping (planting legumes in rows with the main crop). Others involve sequential or rotational cropping, where legumes or forages are planted after cereals. Relay cropping, a variation of this, involves planting the next crop before the previous one is harvested. The presentation also highlighted strategies for utilizing smaller spaces. Backyard forage production involves growing forages near homes and fences. Alley cropping integrates browse trees or shrubs into fields as hedgerows. Additionally, narrow strips of forages can be established between main crops (forage strips). Degraded land can be revitalized through over-sowing, where suitable forages are planted to restore productivity. Finally, the presentation emphasized the importance of integrated pest management (push-and-pull technology) for sustainable forage production. By combining these integrated methods, farmers can significantly intensify forage production, reduce feed gaps, and contribute to a more sustainable crop-livestock system. Importantly, the presentation stressed the need to carefully consider the applicability and relevance of these methods to ensure their adoption by farming communities. Read more: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149350 Crop residues management and nutritional improvement techniques Presenters: Sasu Tadesse and Biruk Dessie Sasu and Biruk's third presentation addressed the challenge of utilizing crop residues, a major feed source for livestock in Ethiopia. However, these residues are often low in quality, particularly in terms of protein and energy content. The presentation explored various methods to improve the nutritional value of these residues. Physical methods like chopping and rinsing can enhance intake and digestibility. Chemical treatments, such as urea application, primarily target increasing protein content. Additionally, the use of beneficial microbes offers a biological approach to improve flavor, intake, and overall nutritional efficiency. The presentation emphasized that even with these improvements, treated crop residues may not be sufficient for highly productive animals. Depending on the type and level of production (milk or meat), farmers may need to supplement these basal diets with high-quality green forages or concentrate feeds to ensure optimal https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149347 https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149350 animal health and performance. Furthermore, the presentation highlighted the importance of proper agronomic practices, including selecting suitable crop varieties, harvesting at the right stage, and storing residues effectively to maximize their quality and utilization. Read more: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149348 Forage seed production Presenters: Kifle Fikre Kifle's final presentation focused on the complexities of forage seed production in Ethiopia. While there are various approaches practiced by different producers, careful analysis is crucial to identify the most feasible and sustainable method for each specific situation. Seed producers need to make informed decisions based on factors like the intended forage varieties and the suitability of the chosen site. Site selection is critical and goes beyond considering the agroecological zone. Specific characteristics like soil type, landscape features, and even the plot's history play a role in determining whether a particular site is suitable for producing seeds for a specific forage variety. Planting for seed production differs significantly from planting for forage itself. It requires meticulous attention to every step, from preparing planting materials and land preparation to planting, field observation, and ongoing management. Determining the optimal harvest time for seeds requires a deep understanding of the chosen variety's characteristics and the farmer's field experience. Seed growers should actively seek knowledge by visiting research centers or experienced producers to familiarize themselves with different varieties and their developmental stages. Post-harvest seed management is equally important to minimize losses and ensure high-quality seeds. This includes everything from handling the harvested crop before threshing to careful threshing, cleaning, and grading of the seeds. The presentation highlighted the challenges in the current market, where some seed producers and traders might offer low-quality or mislabeled seeds. To ensure the sustainability of the forage seed sector, proper post-harvest seed management practices and accountability for seed quality are essential. The presentation also addressed the issue of free seed access by NGOs and government extension services. For the forage seed business to thrive, a policy shift is needed to encourage farmers to purchase high-quality seeds, which will incentivize sustainable seed production practices. Finally, the presentation emphasized the importance of market research and collaboration for seed producers. Producers need to understand existing and potential markets and work closely with all stakeholders along the value chain to ensure a successful and sustainable forage seed business. Read more: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149342 Composition and number of training participants During the training session for Chiraro Debir Kebele 100 farmers; 4 development agents; 5 Woreda experts; one zonal expert; one Woreda livestock office head; and one zonal livestock office head participated in the event. In the same way 93 farmers; 5 development agents; 5 Woreda experts and one zonal expert were part of the training session for Abamote Kebele. Ninety-nine farmers, four development agents, five Woreda experts and one zonal expert attended the training session for Dibute Kebele. Moreover, 99 farmers; 6 development agents; 5 Woreda experts and 1 zonal expert actively attended the training session for Gudo https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149348 https://hdl.handle.net/10568/149342 Beret Kebele. A total of 436 of which 265 were males and 171 female (39 %) participants attended the five- day training sessions (Table 1). Oat and vetch seeds were distributed to each of the training participant farmers on a 50% revolving seed arrangement. Each farmer received 7 Kg of seed (5 Kg of oats and 2 Kg of vetch) for an area of 625 m2. Interested farmers and who have irrigation access took 100 gm of alfalfa seed for an area of 100m2. Table 1. Number of farmers, experts and development agents during the feed and forage training. Zone Wored a Kebele Farmers Experts & DAs Tot al Mal e Total Femal e Tota l Mal e Femal e Mal e Femal e North Shewa Basona Worena Abamote 57 36 4 7 61 43 104 Chiraro Debir 50 50 7 5 57 55 112 Dibute 62 37 7 3 69 40 109 Gudo Beret 70 29 8 4 78 33 111 Total 239 152 26 19 265 171 436 Reflections and lessons learned Workneh Dametew (Head of North Shewa zone livestock development and promotion office) in his opening speech reminded participants that ILRI’s projects (MFS, TAAT and AICCRA) contributed a lot in four Woredas of North Shewa zone by introducing, validating, demonstrating and scaling of feed and forage related technologies. He acknowledged ILRI and the zonal livestock office for the excellent work they have done related to demonstration and scaling of feed trough technology to more than 3000 farmers. Workneh told training participants that the mixed farming system (MFS), AICCRA and TAAT initiative and projects will build up on the previous efforts of Africa RISING project on feed and forage innovations to bring meaningful impact on the livelihood of the farming community. Workneh has also added North Shewa Zone have immense potential in the livestock sector and the government's new initiative called “Yelemat Turufat” will be an excellent opportunity to closely work with the feed and forage activities on the ILRI projects and initiatives. He stressed the training will be one means to narrow the gap on attitude, skill and knowledge on feed and forage innovations for farmers and Kebele development agents. Finally, Workneh assured livestock development and promotion office with all its structure from Zone, Woreda and Kebele is ready to actively work with ILRI. Getachew Solomon (Head of Basona Worena Woreda livestock development and promotion office) reminded training participants to actively attend the training sessions and practically implement on the ground the feed and forage innovations using the seed/seedling/planting materials sourced from government nurseries, research, University, NGO’s and different projects. He informed the farmers the plan of providing seed of oat and vetch after the training and expected to return 50 % of the seed next year. Getachew tried to convince the farmers by giving the example of irrigated bread wheat development activity based on the revolving seed arrangement. He also confirmed the support of the Woreda livestock office to closely work with the ILRI projects and initiatives. The trainers and ILRI site coordinator explained to the training participants about mixed farming system (MFS) initiative jointly implemented by three CG centers (ILRI, ICARDA and Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT) at Basona Worena Woreda. The main aim is to demonstrate different technology options (on crop, livestock, and NRM) at Abamote Kebele and scale to other areas. In addition, more information has been shared about TAAT and AICCRA projects. Core Points Raised by Participants Training and its Impact • Participants appreciated the well-timed training and its effectiveness in addressing knowledge, skill, and attitude gaps related to feed and forage. • The use of Amharic version of training materials, visuals, and farmer-to-farmer learning enhanced training effectiveness. Challenges and Constraints • Feed Resources: Shortage of improved forage seeds. • Water Scarcity: Limited irrigation water for cultivated fodder production. • Market Access: Difficulty in accessing molasses, EM, urea fertilizer, milk containers and improved dairy cows. • Technical Support: Need for more technical assistance for new forage varieties and techniques. • Infrastructure: Inadequate AI services aggravated due to security issues Opportunities and Recommendations • Crop Residue Management: Effective utilization of crop residues through EM treatment and proper storage. • Forage Production: Promotion of fodder beet cultivation during the main season and alfalfa under irrigation where possible. • Livestock Improvement: Increased access to improved dairy cows (live animals) and AI services. • Knowledge Sharing: Continued farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge exchange. • Collaboration: Stronger collaboration between farmers, extension office , University, projects and research institutions. • Policy: Addressing national-level issues such as fertilizer shortages. Farmer Innovations and Practices • Successful experience with phalaris grass as a biomass source. • Utilization of tree lucerne as a dry season feed. Way forward Seed and Forage Availability • Increase seed supply: Coordinate efforts on production and distribution of early-generation seeds, seedlings, and grass splits. • Strengthen seed systems: Establish revolving seed arrangements and commercialization channels through cooperatives. Capacity Building • Train farmers and extension agents: Provide continuous and coordinated training on forage production and utilization. • Improve knowledge dissemination: Utilize various media channels to reach a wider audience. Farmer Engagement and Technology Transfer • Promote farmer-to-farmer learning: Organize field days and exchange visits. • Support dairy cow improvement: Enhance AI services. • Support on EM and molasses access to farmers: Market linkage Research and Development • Address critical gaps: Conduct research on the nutritional value of phalaris grass. Acknowledgments We acknowledge the funding from CGIAR Initiatives on Mixed Farming System (MFS), Ukama Ustawi: Diversification for Resilient Agrifood Systems in East and Southern Africa and Sustainable Animal Productivity for Livelihoods, Nutrition, and Gender Inclusion (SAPLING), Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) and Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT). We extend our sincere thanks to Zegeye W/Agegnehu and his team from the Basona Worena Livestock Office, as well as Kifle Fikre from the North Shewa Zone Livestock Office for their exceptional contributions to the training sessions. The invaluable support of development agents from each Kebele in farmer selection, mobilization, and training facilitation is highly appreciated. We also recognize the crucial role of Alemie Belet from DBARC in managing seed distribution throughout the training. Annex Table 1. List of training participants from Abamote Kebele. SN Name of farmer Gender SN Name of farmer Gender 1 Tsegaye T/Michael Male 51 Dimeru Siraye Male 2 Bekele Shibere Male 52 Solomon T/Micheal Male 3 Eshete Zewdie Male 53 Demeke Cherikos Male 4 Abebech Belayneh Female 54 Worku Tafesse Male 5 Bizunesh Shewaye Female 55 Ehete Teklie Female 6 Bekelu Teklehaimanot Female 56 Ensete Mengesha Female 7 Kes Zenebe Mengistie Male 57 Shifera Zewudie Male 8 Kes Haileliuel T/Giorgis Male 58 Aseratie Workie Female 9 Sinkenesh Nigatu Female 59 Fekade Worku Male 10 Tewabech Mulatu Female 60 Amesale Alemayehu Female 11 Menbere Bete Female 61 Wudie Eshete Female 12 Fekade T/Mariam Female 62 Bekelu Shewakena Female 13 Kes Zeleke Habtie Male 63 Desta Ayele Female 14 Debritu Bekele Female 64 Zenebu Mamo Female 15 Mashela Teklu Male 65 Tewabech Mersha Female 16 Tilaye W/Michael Male 66 Bayesie W/Michael Male 17 Ashine G/Micheal Male 67 Kinfe Tadesse Male 18 Alemaz Getu Female 68 Negash Eshete Male 19 Beshewa Tesfaye Female 69 T/Mariam Getaneh Male 20 Kulenta Kiremetie Female 70 Workneh Tirefie Male 21 Fekiru Abebe Male 71 Alemeshet Metaferiya Male 22 Tibebe Bekele Male 72 Kes Yehualaeshet Muluneh Male 23 Wondwossen T/Mariam Male 73 Kes Firdu Teshome Male 24 Demere H/Micheal Male 74 Zenebe Shifera Male 25 Shewakena Demessie Male 75 Solomon Wubeshet Male 26 Wondafrash Metaferiya Male 76 Shewayerfe Ashenafi Male 27 Kes Hayileye Birhanie Male 77 Goshime Metaferiya Male 28 Gete Yilima Female 78 Tekeliye Getaneh Male 29 Woyneshete Kelela Female 79 Feleke H/Giorgis Male 30 Gebeyanesh Mengesha Female 80 H/Meskel Kidanie Male 31 Genet Tessema Female 81 Fikere W/Aferew Male 32 Muluemebet Haile Female 82 Alem Kidanu Female 33 Gebeyanesh Derbie Female 83 Getaneh W/Mariam Male 34 Nigatu Alemayehu Male 84 Bekele Mengistie Male 35 Nigatie Teshome Female 85 Ayelech Ashenafi Female 36 Abebaye Demeke Female 86 Tewabech Fantaye Female 37 Yelfashewa Eshete Female 87 Tewabech Tafese Female 38 Getahun Tesfaye Male 88 Yigeremu Tekele Male 39 Mulatu Eshete Male 89 Alemeshete Tirefu Female 40 Debebe Kibekab Male 90 Tigist Kinfe Female 41 Alemayehu Fekie Male 91 Getaneh Kidanu Male 42 Hayileye Getachew Male 92 Mulatwua Teklie Female 43 Alemayehu W/Rufie Male 93 Kebede Shifera Male 44 Kinfe Tsegaye Male 45 Desta W/Agegnehu Male 46 Mekuriya Kinfe Male 47 Mamush Asefa Male 48 T/Mariam Degefu Male 49 Gezu Lemma Male 50 Tekeliye Kidane Male Table 2. List of training participants from Gudo Beret Kebele. SN Name of farmer Gender SN Name of farmer Gender 1 Belay Ashine Male 51 Zemedu Tekele Male 2 Gossa W/Mariam Male 52 Mengistu Haile Male 3 Mintewabe Kebede Female 53 Tameru Tsegaye Male 4 Yeshi Lemma Female 54 Tigist Sisay Female 5 Kassa Negesse Male 55 Endalelet Sine Male 6 Zewudu Tesema Male 56 Kiflie Moges Male 7 Tewabe Abebe Male 57 Yeshitela Moges Male 8 Asnake Girma Male 58 T/Mariam Kinfe Male 9 Getachew Demessie Male 59 Zewudu Kebede Male 10 Dejene Yigezu Male 60 Hailegnaw Akalewolde Male 11 Betrie Seyium Male 61 Senay Molla Male 12 Shimelis Hailu Male 62 Addis Dereje Male 13 Desta Woldiye Male 63 Shibrie W/Selassie Female 14 Shewaye W/Tsadik Male 64 Mekoya Shibeshi Female 15 Getu Cherikos Male 65 Sintayehu Hailu Male 16 H/Gebriel W/Mariam Male 66 Wondimhungen Gebrie Male 17 Demeke Nigussie Male 67 Melake Tefera Male 18 Teklewolde Moges Male 68 Getachew Kifelu Male 19 Minda Bekele Male 69 Terefe Getachew Male 20 Zenebe Terefe Male 70 Aberie Negash Male 21 Almaz Tadesse Female 71 Tilahun Lemma Male 22 Kebede G/Kidan Male 72 Mersha Hailu Male 23 Eshete Gizaw Male 73 Dinknesh Demeke Female 24 Lominesh Desta Female 74 Demekech H/Meskel Female 25 Alemayheu Seyium Male 75 W/Mariam Akalewolde Male 26 Tesfaye Belayneh Male 76 Abate Asasahegn Male 27 Dinkenesh Kebede Female 77 Mulatu Yirga Male 28 Girma Yitena Male 78 Yitages Gizachew Male 29 Hailu W/Kidan Male 79 Genet Teferedew Female 30 Shimelis Begashaw Male 80 Beleg Teshome Male 31 Tegene Kidanie Male 81 Eshete Sisay Male 32 Alemienesh Agonafer Female 82 G/Tsadik Abowork Male 33 Belet Wondeaferew Female 83 Shewangizaw Tefera Male 34 Tiruwork Tafesse Female 84 Gete Awoke Female 35 Teferi Feru Male 85 Tirunesh Teshome Female 36 Tilahun Shifera Male 86 Workie Demeke Female 37 Belachew Tefera Male 87 Lakech Asasahegn Female 38 Birhanie Yigezu Female 88 Getachew W/Semayat Male 39 T/Tsadik Belay Male 89 Tedela Yitena Male 40 Gosheme Ketsela Male 90 T/Yohannes Hailu Male 41 Tesfu Demeke Male 91 Kalkidan Demessie Female 42 Yemata Assefa Female 92 Birknesh W/Semayat Female 43 Teferi Gossa Male 93 Tsedale Girma Female 44 Damtew Eshete Male 94 Abebech Cherikos Female 45 Bekele Kinfie Male 95 Yewubdar Arega Female 46 Alemienesh Birhanie Female 96 Wondimu Bekele Male 47 Atilabachew Wondaferew Male 97 Ayele Kabtiyemer Male 48 Birhanie Sisay Female 98 Zenash Tadesse Female 49 Demis Teferi Male 99 Firehiwot T/Tsadik Female 50 Zewudu Yirga Male Table 3. List of training participants from Dibute Kebele. SN Name of farmer Gender SN Name of farmer Gender 1 Abebe Moges Male 51 Niguse Tewabe Male 2 Kefelew Woldetsadik Male 52 Tsedalu Girma Female 3 Getahun Abebayehu Male 53 Yeshi Aklile Female 4 Abebayehu Wubeshet Male 54 Kes Getachew Dinku Male 5 Wondewossen Wubie Male 55 Mekedes Shimelis Female 6 Demessie Zenebe Male 56 G/Amanuel Belay Male 7 Dereje Teklewolde Male 57 Gebriey Bekele Male 8 Aklil Girma Male 58 Tegene W/Tsadik Male 9 Teklu Bekele Male 59 Lemma Negash Male 10 Eshete Kassaye Male 60 Abu Girma Male 11 Sime Gulelate Male 61 Kebede Wondimu Male 12 Deresu Eshete Male 62 Aster Shimelis Female 13 Ashenafi Mamo Male 63 Awoke Abebe Male 14 Etaferahu Fekade Female 64 Almaz Mulugeta Female 15 Sasahu Gebeyehu Female 65 Genet Bekele Female 16 Tilaye Mamo Male 66 Nigussie Abebe Male 17 Abebech Tewabe Female 67 Tadesse Mamo Male 18 Bete Firedie Male 68 Bekelu Bete Female 19 Kebebush Kassa Female 69 Tigist Bete Female 20 Birhanie Bekele Female 70 Tadessu Tilahun Male 21 Tekeliyie G/Kidan Male 71 Fantu Abebu Male 22 Estifo Fedake Male 72 Yirgu Demeke Male 23 Negash Birke Male 73 Etaferahu H/Mariam Female 24 Kassaye H/Silassie Male 74 Fikru Deniku Male 25 Woletu Agunie Female 75 Metaferiya W/Tsadik Male 26 Kebede Leshiyebelu Male 76 Addis Wogayehu Male 27 Asefa Teshome Male 77 Tesemash Woldeyes Female 28 Atsede Eshete Female 78 Aseged Debebe Female 29 Girum Demeke Male 79 G/Kidan Hailegiorgis Male 30 Nigussie Kitaw Male 80 Eshetu Mersha Female 31 Mengistu K/Mariam Male 81 Alemayehu Abebe Male 32 Tarik Yilefu Female 82 Nigussie Alemu Male 33 Dereje Shimelis Male 83 Amare Menkir Male 34 Ayelech Tesfaye Female 84 T/Medhin G/Amanuel Male 35 Askal W/Merkin Female 85 Teferi Getaneh Male 36 Abebayehu Kitaw Male 86 Gebru Hailu Male 37 Beleyu W/Giorgis Female 87 Terefe Shinabachew Male 38 Kebede Yilima Male 88 Birhanu Mersha Male 39 Mulatwua Bogale Female 89 Shewarega Kebede Male 40 Belaynesh Shifera Female 90 Workie H/Gebriel Female 41 Zeleka Hailu Female 91 Wondwossen G/Medhin Male 42 Wolet Jebaneh Female 92 Kelem Zeleke Female 43 Birke Kebede Female 93 Genet Tadesse Female 44 Jebanesh Tewabe Female 94 Beleg Getachew Female 45 Belaynesh Mekuriya Female 95 Amare Alemu Male 46 Yelifu Tadesse Female 96 Tekelish Tefera Male 47 Kassaye Abebu Male 97 Sintayehu Feleke Male 48 Tirunesh Tadessu Female 98 H/Meskel Habtie Male 49 Birhan Abebe Male 99 Gebreyie Woldie Male 50 Tibeb Getaneh Female Table 4. List of training participants from Chiraro Debir Kebele. SN Name of farmer Gender SN Name of farmer Gender 1 Abebu Kinfe Female 51 Tameir Ayechilu Male 2 Dessie Armedie Male 52 Bizunesh Antenyismu Male 3 Fekade Lemma Male 53 Mequanint Tadesse Male 4 Kelemwua Nigussie Female 54 Kes Sintayehu W/Agegnehu Male 5 Gizachew Adaferie Male 55 Alemayehu Hailu Male 6 Fekade Tsegaye Female 56 Gebeyhu Tekleyie Male 7 Gezahegn W/Afrash Male 57 Zewdnesh Metekiya Female 8 H/Mariam Yitena Male 58 Kes Ashenafi Gashaw Male 9 Alemayehu Demessie Male 59 Demis Tekle Male 10 Getnet Tadesse Male 60 Senayit Getaneh Female 11 Demeke Gedle Male 61 Tirunesh T/Yohannes Female 12 Netsanet Admassu Female 62 Fanaye Tiruneh Female 13 Kifle Mekonnen Male 63 Abebe Kebede Male 14 Wossinie Dejenie Male 64 Kes Armedie Gebrie Male 15 Alemeshet Ashenafi Female 65 Lamerot Lemma Female 16 Abebech Tsega Female 66 Yewubdar Armedie Female 17 Birhanie Moges Female 67 Zenebe Mekonnen Male 18 Woldu Moges Male 68 Wondeafrash Getachew Male 19 Manmeketo Nigatu Male 69 W/Semayat Azebetie Male 20 Etuemebet Anbessie Female 70 Dibabeshwork Assefa Female 21 Tiresit W/Mariam Female 71 Zeleka G/Meskel Female 22 Bogalech Haile Female 72 Kes Tekle Taffesse Male 23 Wogaye Haile Female 73 Zewedu Sine Male 24 Bekelech Fantaye Female 74 Dejenie Endaykoru Male 25 Mersha Mekonnen Female 75 Nigat Negess Female 26 Haimanont Bekele Female 76 Zenebe Shewafera Male 27 Birtukan Zeleke Female 77 Dejenie Melakebirhan Male 28 Yemenashu Moges Female 78 H/Michael Terefe Male 29 Mulugeta Gebru Male 79 Amele Ayele Female 30 Fekadie Asefa Female 80 Alemenesh Mulatu Female 31 Getenesh Tseye Female 81 Abaynesh Affesa Female 32 Mistere Tsegaye Female 82 Etenesh Hayileye Female 33 Ehetemariam G/Medihen Female 83 Wudie Demessie Female 34 Birhanie Ayele Female 84 Genet Yeshigeta Female 35 Admasu Armedie Male 85 Wogayehu Yegelie Female 36 Bekele Tadesse Male 86 Moges Adaferie Male 37 Malef Nigussie Male 87 Zewudnesh Zeleke Female 38 Gete Mahitebe Female 88 Tsemer Dejenie Female 39 Sharew Mamo Male 89 Engda Mekonnen Female 40 Tsehay Wondwossen Female 90 Lakech H/Mariam Female 41 Birhan Demeke Female 91 Nigussie Tekle Male 42 Kes Gebriye Tessma Male 92 Gebeyanesh Armedie Female 43 Metaferiya Gizaw Male 93 Amele Armedie Female 44 Fikru Gebreyes Male 94 Tsedale W/Mariam Female 45 Emeshaw Lemmawossen Male 95 Yetimwork Sahelu Female 46 Belaynesh Fikre Male 96 Hayileye Getachew Male 47 Kes Belay Mulatu Male 97 Tena Fikrie Male 48 Lakew W/Agegnehu Male 98 Birhan H/Gebriel Male 49 Hayileye G/Kidan Male 99 Almaz Mulugeta Female 50 Tadesse G/Kidan Male 100 Yiberehu Ayele Female Table 5. List of development agents (DA’s) for the training from four Kebeles of the Woreda. SN Name of participant Organization Kebele Gender 1 Shewatatek Asalif Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Dibute Male 2 Tsegaye Wondwossen Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Dibute Male 3 Ashenafi Yifera Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Dibute Male 4 Eyasu Abo Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Dibute Male 5 Hayileye Kibebew Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Gudo Beret Male 6 Endale Tesfa Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Gudo Beret Male 7 Ermiyas Terefe Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Gudo Beret Male 8 Alem Feleke Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Gudo Beret Female 9 Yedege Tariku Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Gudo Beret Male 10 Belachew Zenebe Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Gudo Beret Male 11 Mistere W/Mariam Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Abamote Female 12 Alem Girma Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Abamote Female 13 Ayinaddis Nega Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Abamote Female 14 Almaz Mengistu Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Abamote Female 15 Habtamu Tadesse Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Abamote Male 16 Bekele Getachew Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Chiraro Debir Male 17 Firenesh Amewu Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Chiraro Debir Female 18 Mekonnen Aschenaki Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Chiraro Debir Male 19 Betelhem Atilaw Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Chiraro Debir Female Table 6. List of trainers, facilitators and officials attended the training. SN Name of participant Organization Gender 1 Zegeye W/Agegnehu Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Male 2 Etenesh Getachew Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Female 3 Biruk Dessie Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Male 4 Meseret Girma Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Female 5 Getachew Solomon Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Male 6 Sasu Tadesse Basona Worena Woreda livestock office Female 7 Kifle Fikre North Shewa zone livestock office Male 8 Workneh Dametew North Shewa zone livestock office Male Introduction Objectives of the training The approach to the training Summary of the presentation Conventional cultivated forage production and utilization in the Ethiopian highlands Integrated forage production methods in the Ethiopian highlands Crop residues management and nutritional improvement techniques Forage seed production Composition and number of training participants Reflections and lessons learned Way forward Acknowledgments Annex