FACTORS AFFECTING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF BANANA PRODUCTION IN ARBA MINCH ZURIA WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy. Sustainable agriculture is a time and space-specific concept and it can be seen as a key element towards a long term future. Banana is one of the most important cash crops in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda. But, now days the sustainability of banana production is under question due to several interwoven environmental, social and economic related problems. This study was mainly intended to determine factors affecting the sustainability of banana production in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 321 respondents those are the owner of banana plantation and living in the study kebeles. The study was conducted based on the mixed-methods approach. Questionnaire, focus group discussion (FGD), interviews and observation were data collection instruments in this study. Data entry was done using computer EpiData and STATA in order to examine the pattern and extent of phenomena. Data analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Finally, these data were presented in tabular forms composed of frequencies, percentages and other statistical tools such as mean and standard deviation used for the analysis of data. Some data also presented in form of bar graph and pie chart according to the validity. Apart from quantitative data, qualitative data were collected with above tools were discussed. Based on the analysis of the result, all the respondents were banana producers and most of head of the households were not attended formal education. However, all of the respondents mentioned that crop farming is their main source of income. Different cereals, vegetables and fruits are cultivated in the village to substantiate a living. Eight main methods of maintaining soil fertility for sustainable production of banana were identified: application of banana residue, mulching, farrow, micro basin construction, manure, chemical fertilizer, compost and intercropping. Soil salinity problem has positive effect on threats of sustainability of banana production and is statistically significant. Regarding the perception of banana producers about soil fertility status in different periods, the households replied very good (88.5%) before a decade ago but now it has been declined similarly the production of banana has been declined starting from the last 10 -15 years ago and it will continue if there will be no mitigation measures will be taken according to the respondents. According to the cross sectional study implies that the main challenge during banana production were identified and responded as scarcity of rain (98.3%), climate change (94.8%) and dwindling irrigation water supply (89.2%). Of course, most producers strongly agree (72.6%) and agree (23.9%) that they practice appropriate land preparation for the sustainability of banana production. The study therefore recommends that, the government should raise the awareness level of all banana producer households about sustainable crop production. All farmers should maintain their farmland soil fertility by applying different soil fertility enhancement inputs which produced either traditionally or industrially. The government should work practically at the grassroots level in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders. Different capacity building trainings, workshops, consultative meeting an experience sharing events should prepared for the banana producer farmers by Government, NGOs and Banana Producers Association.