Unraveling Valuable Traits in Ethiopian Grain Legumes Research Hastens Crop Intensification and Economic Gains: A Review

摘要

Grain legumes are principal components of the Ethiopian cropping system. They stand second to cereals both in production and area coverage. Research for development over the last four decades has produced significant progress in productivity, quality, marketability and use values of these crops. Over the last two decades alone, productivity has more than doubled, market values and volumes improved remarkable, the number of household engaging in the sector increased dramatically. The effect of target trait breeding in the sector has enhanced economic, social and biological benefits with high impacts. This brought about intensification based agricultural system as a pathway of profitability in the sector. However, there have still been challenges to tap the potential of the sector. The role of key institutions in the sector is of paramount importance. The future dimension needs even far more innovative approaches and applications of advanced techniques for the sector to remain competent. The review paper tries to present the interactions within and among the research and development entities.