The Impact of Red Billed Quela (Quela quela) on Agricultural Products in Merti Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2025-08-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In Ethiopia crop production is the leading sub-sector of agricultural economy where more than 60% of agricultural GDP originated from crop production. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of Red Billed Quela (Quela quela) on Agricultural Products in Kola Kebele of Merti woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Quantitative research methodology was employed to collect data where structured questioner was used to 100 farmer household respondent selected using simple random sampling techniques. The data was analyzed by tables percentage and frequency. The results showed that quela bird infestation is a major barrier to food security and livelihood sustainability in Merti woreda, and that improved, integrated, and institutionalized control strategies are needed. Mixed farming systems, productivity levels remain moderate, with most farmers harvesting only 11–15 quintals per year, reflecting both the small landholding size and recurrent birdrelated losses. Farmers largely depend on traditional control methods such as scaring and with 70% applying all available methods. Institutional and government measures were found to be weak or inconsistent, forcing communities to rely heavily on indigenous knowledge. In addition, limited irrigation infrastructure, poor land accessibility near water sources, and inadequate extension services further constrain productivity improvements. Only 4% of respondents had experience with irrigated sorghum cultivation, and 30% had received guidance from agricultural institutions. Both season of bird outbreak and harvesting time in autumn causes vulnerability and making farmers highly exposed to crop loss. Farmers recomanded that strengthening government intervention,facilitating the society at the time of bird migration to prevent the severity of the cereal crops additionally enhance the traditional control methods for best management of the quela birds.
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Keywords
Quela Quela, Sorghum, Crop Loss, Traditional Pest Management, Ethiopia, Avian Pest