Demonstration of Common Bean Varieties (Dursitu and Chercher) in the Gurawa and Kurfa Chele Districts, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Common bean is becoming increasingly important in eastern Ethiopia because of the recurrent late-onset and early termination of rainfall. It is an important crop under various intercropping systems. The major problems of common bean production in Eastern Ethiopia are inaccessibility to improved common bean varieties, low extension intervention, and inferior performance of local varieties. Hence, its specific objectives were to demonstrate the two improved common bean varieties (Dursitu and Chercher) with the local one; to evaluate their performances and identify a variety that meets farmers’ criteria. Gurawa and Kurfa Chele districts were identified from Eastern Hararghe Zone using purposive sampling technique based on common bean production potential. Two kebeles were identified from each district. Three model farmers were selected from each kebele depending on common bean production potential. Training is one of the important extension methods to enhance and integrate the farmers’ indigenous knowledge and skill with improved practices. Field days were organized in June for Belg and September for the Maher seasons. The common beans were compared and prioritized based on participants’ criteria. Chercher variety was selected first, Dursitu second and the local common bean third based on their maturity dates, colour and market demand. In general, participants’ capability and skill on the improved common bean production technologies increased. The ground for further popularization and dissemination of the two improved common bean technologies was established.