Abstract:
EnsetEnset vetricosum) is one of the most important multipurpose indigenous crops in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in Woliso District, South west Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State. The objective of the study was to assess various uses of Enset ventricosum, identify challenges related with Enset production and farmers perception towards Enset venticosum. To meet the objectives, a mixed method (both qualitative and quantitative) research approaches were employed. The study was carried out in randomly selected five smallest administrative units of Woliso Districts in South west Shewa Zone. The smallest administrative units of the study were selected by using simple random sampling method and the simple random method was employed to select general informants based on the proportion to the size of total Enset growing informants in selected smallest administrative units; accordingly simple random sampling procedures were used to identify 99 sample households. The data were collected using open and close ended questionnaires, key informant interview, filed observation and Personal interview. Then the data were analyzed by using statistical software specifically SPSS v 21.0 through frequency, percentage, tables, charts and photographs and also were analyzed qualitatively such as key informants and personal interview.Enset ventricosum have great roles in the culture mainly by preparing it as the cultural food especially during the different ceremonies and holiday. Enset food is more preferred than other food obtained from cereal crop. Besides, it was used as source of medicine mostly it was used to repair and soften broken body.Enset have economic roles highly it was used as the sources of income. In addition to these, Enset have different ecological function especially shadow or windbreak or nursery for garden environment and aesthetic value and more. Enset producing farmers face different challenges or constraints such as lack of diseases control measure, lack of introduced technological material (Materials or simple machine that can process Enset product within the short period of times, reduce human labor and finances),lack of improved Ensete variety and the like.The farmers give high preference or respect for Enset than other crop plant because they accept Enset as their cloth, house and food. But, reduction in production and loss of some landraces was observed because of different factors specially the disease has an impact on the productivity of Enset.Therefore, attention must be given by the concerned bodies such as government, non-government and research organization to conserve and maintain Enset landraces
