The Role of NGOs in improving the Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers in Bako-Tibe Woreda of West Shoa Zone, Oromia: A Case Study of Bako Agricultural Research Center (BARC)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NGOs in improving smallholder farmer living condition in Bako-Tibe woreda and identified the practice, challenges and awareness on the program. The organization focuses on Increase production & productivity of crops and animal resources, Sustainable management & utilization of natural resources and Enhancing food security and food self-sufficiency. Sampling technique used in this research was purposive sampling method by which Bako-Tibe woreda was selected from the 18 woreda of west shoa zone of Oromia regional state. The criteria for the selection of this woreda are the presence of BARC And from 28 kebele, the researcher was selected five kebele through purposive sampling techniques. The criteria for the selection of kebele was the presences of NGOs which provide agricultural support in those kebele and the presence of large number of farmer group And From 87 staff members, the researcher was selected 6 employees from staff members through purposive sampling techniques. The criterion for the selection of staff members was based on willingness and responsibility in the organization. A descriptive survey research design was used to achieve the purpose of the study. Furthermore Qualitative and quantitative approach was used so as to come up with adequate /proper findings On top of this, for this study, the data gathering were questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion and document review and observation check list. Accordingly, the research sample size was composed of 135 farmers and staff members respondents were selected through simple random sampling. But 103 of them were collected back and 6 questionnaires distributed for the staff members also returned. Data collected using these instruments were analyzed using descriptive statistics percentage and frequency, graph and charts by the help of SPSS besides, thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings of the study showed that the majority of both farmers and staff members were also revealed that education, skill gap, deforestation, market chain, ethnicity problem, weak involvement of regional and local government, weak motoring and evaluation method by BARC and lack of knowledge were the major challenges that observed Bako agricultural research center is currently facing in Bako-Tibe woreda. Therefore, the research has forwarded recommended like the need for continuous training, appropriate technology, diversified market and comprehensive regional policy for effective use of local resources and monitoring and evolution after provided training by BARC and should be cooperatively working together with woreda agriculture office and other stakeholder and both BARC and WAO should be more strength Law and Regulations on ethnicity conflict based on using local natural resources and deforestation activities in selected kebele of Bako-Tibe woreda.