STATUS OF BANANA PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA

Except for a few countries, the geographical distribution of banana cultivation lies between 30°N and S latitude and where winter temperatures are above 60°F.

Ochse et al. (1960) have defined the typical growing regions for banana as tropical-humid lowlands. Based on meteorological data of the major banana producing locations, Simmonds (1959) defined the effective average rainfall and temperature as 100 mm and 80°F each month. According to Chandler (1958). bananas will grow at temperatures too low for the growth of some other tropical species, providing that the area is free of frost. For instance, large plantations of bananas are maintained in the Canary Islands where the mean winter temperature is about 61° to 63°F, and the mean of the hottest month is 72° to 75°F.

Bananas have been cultivated for several years as a garden plant in Ethiopia. Their total production in Ethiopia at present approaches 100 000 tons. As in some other tropical and sub-tropical regions, bananas are produced by:

1. small plantations in home gardens owned by small farmers - especially in the South-Western and Western provinces;
2. medium-sized plantations of not more than 10 ha supplying local consumers;
3. relatively large plantations above 20 ha developed to supply export markets.

Out of the total indicated above, the "family plantations" produce over 35%. In general, bananas grown on family plantations are produced from degenerated clones of low yield and quality.

Modern banana plantations were started in Ethiopia at the beginning of this century. Unlike "family banana plantations" these larger plantations were set up in arid irrigated regions.