Farmer Research Groups

1 Introduction: institutionalizing participatory approaches in Ethiopia's agricultural research system Kiyoshi Shiratori and Dawit Alemu

Part I The need for Farmer Research Groups in Ethiopia 2 Overview of Farmer Research Group-based participatory research in Ethiopia Dawit Alemu and Kiyoshi Shiratori 3 FRG-based approach implementation processes: guidelines, training and research Taku Seo

Part II Experiences of Farmer Research Groups 4 Engaging farmers in technology evaluation and promotion: Farmer Research Groups on common beans in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia Endeshaw Habte, Kidane Tumsa, Berhanu Amsalu Fenta, and Abiy Tilahun 5 Lowering teff seeding rate using a seed spreader via the participatory approach in South Ethiopia Fanuel Laekemariam, Gifole Gidago and Wondemeneh Taye 6 Participatory evaluation of selected fish processing and preservation technologies: the case of Lake Tana, Ethiopia Shewit Gebremedhin, Markos Budusa, Adamu Yimer, Minwyelet Mingist, Dereje Tewabe and Zurihun Nigussie 7 Participatory evaluation of farmer-saved and purified seed for improved agronomic performance: wheat, South eastern Tigray Alem G/tsadik, Kelali Haftu, Yoshiaki Nishikawa, Ibrahim Fitiwy and Taku Seo 8 Improved dairy production and changing gender roles: experience of smallholder FRGs in Melkassa, Central Rift Valley Bedru Beshir 9 Farmers' perceived benefits of FRG-based research: the case of selected FRG-based research activities Shingo Takeda

Part III Institutionalizing Farmer Research Groups in Ethiopia 10 The participatory approach and FRG: the institutionalization process within the Ethiopian agricultural research system Dawit Alemu and Kiyoshi Shiratori 11 The challenges of FRG-based research: attitudes, capacity and institutional arrangements Dawit Alemu, Taku Seo, Terutaka Niide, Shingo Takeda, Kiyoshi Shiratori and Yoshiaki Nishikawa 12 Applying the FRG approach in agricultural extension: lessons from the Farmers Research and Extension Group approach Belay Kassa and Dawit Alemu

Part IV Conclusion 13 Conclusion: Recommendations for strengthening the responsiveness of agricultural research systems Dawit Alemu, Kiyoshi Shiratori, Taku Seo, and Yoshiaki Nishikawa Index