On-farm diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties in east Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important source of food and income. However, its on-farm diversity conservation by smallholder farmers not known in the east Hararghe Zone eastern Ethiopia. Thus, field survey was conducted from November 2018 to February 2019 assess diversity, cropping system role gender production management common varieties. producing districts were selected purposively whereas sub-districts (kebeles) randomly. Three kebeles each two major agro-ecological zones, key informants twelve general kebele constitute a total 84 informants. The selection stratified based on wealth status. Structured interview guide used semi-structured Descriptive inferential statistical analyses R (version 3.5.2). Seven farmers’ varieties identified their higher tepid, moist mid highlands (M3) cropped area (ha) significantly (p < 0.05) tepid sub-humid (SH3) agro-ecology. Most activities undertaken male adults. Insect pests prominent constraints production. Farmers’ as feed, soil fertility management. Therefore, ex situ conservation, maintenance endangered varieties, shortage land due chat plantation need special concern promote cultivation.