Kelifa is one of the farmers from Jimma who joined the training and study tour to learn about improved vegetable production techniques in Holeta and Meki (photo credit: ILRIGemeda Duguma.

Tomato is one of the most important irrigated vegetables in Seka Chekorsa District of Jimma zone, Oromia. According to an April 2013 report by the Livestock and Irrigation Value chains for Ethiopian Smallholders (LIVES) project, tomato is the third largest irrigated vegetable in the district, preceded only by potato and cabbage. Land under potato production is about 1375ha while that of cabbage and potato are 2438ha & 5277ha, respectively. Most tomato farming in Seka Chekorsa relies on use of local cultivars and traditional production practices.

Tomato staking is one of the practices that, if improved, could help smallholder farmers in Jimma improve the crop’s production. Staking is the process of supporting tomato plants with a wooden or metallic rods or mesh wire so that they take up less space…