ABSTRACT

Lack of research on intraspecific diversity of faba bean and its management in Ethiopia could lead to the loss of farmers’ varieties, limiting the contributions of local genetic resources. This study assessed the diversity of farmers’ faba bean varieties and local knowledge related to their use and management across multiple cultural and agroecological contexts. We conducted 288 structured and 48 semi-structured interviews in five agroecological zones and four cultural areas in northeastern and southwestern Ethiopia. A total of seventeen farmers’ varieties were identified and documented based on phenotypic descriptors. The tepid sub-moist mid-highlands of South Wollo had the highest number of varieties (five) of any area sampled; however, the humid mid-highlands of Jimma had a higher Shannon-Wiener diversity index based on the area planted to each variety. Most farmers reported that they had originally obtained their traditional varieties from family members, whereas new varieties were typically purchased from local markets. According to farmers, both male and female adults participated in the production and processing of faba bean, with some distinct differences among cultural areas. Understanding the diversity of farmers’ varieties has important implications for on-farm conservation strategies to enhance the use value of this multipurpose leguminous crop.

摘要

缺乏对埃塞俄比亚蚕豆种内多样性及其管理的研究可能导致农民品种流失，限制当地遗传资源的贡献。本研究评估了农民蚕豆品种的多样性以及与其在多种文化和农业生态环境中的使用和管理相关的当地知识。我们在埃塞俄比亚东北部和西南部的五个农业生态区和四个文化区进行了 288 次结构化访谈和 48 次半结构化访谈。根据表型描述符，共鉴定和记录了 17 个农民品种。南窝罗不温不火的亚湿润中部高地的品种数量（五个）是所有采样区域中最多的；然而，根据每个品种的种植面积，吉马中部潮湿的高地具有较高的香农-维纳多样性指数。大多数农民报告说，他们最初是从家庭成员那里获得传统品种，而新品种通常是从当地市场购买的。据农民介绍，蚕豆的生产和加工过程中，男女成人均有参与，文化地域差异明显。了解农民品种的多样性对于提高这种多用途豆科作物的使用价值的农场保护策略具有重要意义。男性和女性成年人都参与了蚕豆的生产和加工，文化地区之间存在一些明显差异。了解农民品种的多样性对于提高这种多用途豆科作物的使用价值的农场保护策略具有重要意义。男性和女性成年人都参与了蚕豆的生产和加工，文化地区之间存在一些明显差异。了解农民品种的多样性对于提高这种多用途豆科作物的使用价值的农场保护策略具有重要意义。