On Farm Evaluation of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Varieties as Livestock Forage at the Irrigation Schemes of Ahsea and Adwa Districts in Central Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The demonstration was conducted over two years from 2019 to 2020 in irrigation areas of Ahsea and Adwa districts of central zone of Tigray region, northern Ethiopia, with the specific objective of evaluating the agronomic yield performance of Tsigab and Maitsebri-Bako pigeon pea varieties, and determine their acceptability as livestock feed by farmers in the demonstration area. During the demonstration trial, 180 and 90 farmers from Ahsea and Adwa districts, respectively, were participated, with a planting of 100 seedlings from each pigeon pea variety per household. The agronomic and yield parameters such as plant height, fresh biomass yield, dry biomass yield, and leaf stem ratio and grain yield were measured. Farmer’s perception data were also collected to assess their preferences for the pigeon pea varieties. The result indicated that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in plant height and dry biomass yield between the two varieties (Tsigab and Maitsebri-Bako) in the Ahsea district. However, in the Adwa district, the Tsigab variety had a higher plant height (162.55cm) and dry biomass yield (12.25ton/ha) compared to Maitsebri-Bako variety (9.25ton/ha) there was also a significant difference (P<0.05) in leaf stem ratio and grain yield between the varieties in the Adwa district, with Tsigab performing better in both parameters. Based on the agronomic performance and farmer’s perception data, the Tsigab variety was preferred over the Maitsebri-Bako variety. It showed higher dry biomass yield (12.25ton/ha), leaf stem ratio (1.79), and grain yield (15.97qui/ha) and was perceived as having a good survival rate, high biomass yield, palatability to animals, and fast regeneration rate. Moreover, Maitsebri-Bako variety was valued for its contribution to soil conservation and grain yield. In conclusion, pigeon pea was found to be a valuable source of protein for both livestock feed and human consumption. Based on its superior performance and positive perception by farmers, the Tsigab variety was recommended for wider dissemination and cultivation in the demonstration areas and similar agro ecologies of the region.