AGROCLIMATIC ANALYSIS - A TOOL FOR PLANNING SUSTAINABLE DURUM-WHEAT (TRITICUM-TURGIDUM VAR DURUM) PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA

Long-term weather data for six locations representing different eco-regions of Ethiopia were analyzed to generate information for appropriate management practices and research priorities of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) in Ethiopia. Among the weather elements examined, rainfall was variable and seasonal. The annual rainfall showed a random year-to-year variation both in space and time. Rainfall distribution during the growing period was much more variable than the seasonal total, resulting in a limited growing period. Dependable rainfall is much lower than the mean, particularly for the low-rainfall regions (Asmara, Metahara and Melkasa). A close relationship between the amount of rainfall and the length of the growing season was observed. The beginning of the rainy season (planting time) ranged from early June to mid-July and the end of growing season varied from early September to November. The growing season (moisture-available period) ranged from 60 days (Metahara) to 140 days (Debre Markos). The results suggest that crop improvement strategies and cropping systems for sustainable durum wheat production should be designed for the different climatic-soil zones based on a realistic assessment of prevailing weather conditions.