Homemade Products and Socio-Cultural Values of Wheat Seed Production in Ambo and Dandi Districts of West Central Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of the study was to document homemade dishes/beverages from wheat landraces and socio-cultural lifestyles of people related to  wheat production in Ambo and Dandi Districts, West Shewa. A total of four Peasant Associations (PAs) (Awaro, Gosu-Kora, Awash-Bole and Haro-Dule) were purposively selected from the two districts. A questionnaire on wheat seed systems, utilization and socio-cultural life style of people related to wheat landraces cultivation and conservation were developed. Focused group discussions were made at village level among groups of farmers on specific points led by the principal researchers. Emphasis was given to women since the utilization of crops in the households are usually their  responsibilities. In addition, a total of 90 households were interviewed following the questionnaire developed on the three themes. Finally   consolidated ideas were noted by the researchers and organized into tables and figures of proportions. Farmers reported that nine different homemade dishes/snacks and two beverages which can be made from  wheat landraces. These include dufo-dabo, budena/injera, ambasha/kita, kinche, marka, mullu, aka’i, dabo-kolo, biscuit and beverages farso and arake. The different wheat landraces are suited for the preparation of at least two or more different dishes/snacks and beverages. These different dishes/snacks and beverages are prepared at regular times or on special
occasions (e.g. New Year, religious and non-religious social gatherings). Some of the dishes and beverages are used as sources of income by urban and suburban women who sell their products at markets or bus  stops. Seed colour plays a critical role in determining end use qualities. White seed varieties are preferred for food uses while the purple seed  types are used for beverage production. The people of the study areas have deep rooted culture connected to wheat production. Farmers use  folksongs and proverbs to express the end use qualities and their peculiar morpho-agronomic characteristics of different wheat landrace varieties.