Diversity, Challenges and Potentials of Enset (Ensete ventricosum) Production: In Case of Offa Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objectives of the study were to investigate the existing diversity of enset clones selected for different purposes; its challenges and contribution of enset production for sustainable livelihood security of the rural community in the study area. The result revealed that farmers were rich in diversity in that they grow various types of clones in the same farm for their intended purposes. Among diverse enset clones grown in the area, the top 5 clones which are selected for kocho, workey and bulla include halla, falakiya, tuzuma,nakaka and gena. Similarly, clones selected for amicho (corm) include arkiya, nakaka, gena, chichiya and peluwa; and those selected for fiber include halla, falakiya, tuzuma, maziya, and argama. Generally, clones halla, nakaka, tuzuma, maziya and kekeruwa are some of the clones of multipurpose. Enset plays a vital role in contributing food and livelihood security of majority of the society in the study area. In line with this, about 63% of the sample farmers reported that the yield of enset is higher than other major crops including root and tuber crops produced in the area. Farmers identified the major challenges and about 55% of the sample farmers indicated that land shortage was the 1^st serious problem in the area followed by disease and recurrent drought which account for about 16% and 14.7%, respectively. Therefore, critical reduction of enset production and its diversity calls for future collective action to generate new technology in every aspect including production, processing and extension services to utilize the crop potential. Furthermore, clone of multipurpose such as halla, nakaka and tuzuma need to be promoted further to utilize crop potential and to contribute for sustainable livelihood security of rural people.

Keywords: enset, clone, yield, challenges, diversity, Sustainable and livelihood