The study was conducted in Welmera and Ejere woreda of West Shewa Zone in Ethiopia. Thernworeda is known for barley production. The study used both primary and secondary data.rnMultistage sampling techniques were used to select 100 barley producing farmers. Descriptivernstatistics was used to describe variables under consideration and governing the adoption ofrnimproved barley. The main objectives of the study were to generate information on a traditionalrnfarmerâ€™s knowledge on landraces and technological adoption on improved barley varieties andrnto understand the socio-cultural significance of barley among local farmers. To achieve thesernobjectives, two PAs were selected from each woreda. Both women and men discussed therncomparison of local and improved barley, production systems and utilization in Ethiopia, varietyrnchanges, socio-cultural importance (medicinal, ritual significance, myths) and beliefs of eachrnvariety along with some other relevant use values of barley. A questionnaire on barleyrnknowledge, its production systems and socio-cultural life style of people related to barleyrncultivation were developed. SPSS was used for data entry and management as well as descriptivernanalysis. FGD were made at village level among groups of farmers on specific points led by thernprincipal researcher. Emphasis was given to women since the utilization of crops in thernhouseholds are their responsibilities. In addition, a few farmers were interviewed following thernquestionnaire developed. Farmers reported that a number of different homemade dishes andrnbeverages can be made from barley landraces. These include difo-dabo, budena, kita, kinche,rnmarqa, akayi, qori, chuko and beverages like farso and arake. These different dishes andrnbeverages are prepared at regular times or on special occasions (e.g. New Year, religious andrnnon-religious social gatherings). Some of the dishes and beverages are used as sources ofrnincome by suburban women who sell their products at markets or home. Farmers use folksongsrnand proverbs to express the end use qualities of barley varieties. A survey was mainly carriedrnout to collect the indigenous knowledge of the local farmers on the use of barley, genetic erosionrnof the local landraces and its maintenance. Here, using an interdisciplinary approach combiningrnethno-botany and technology adoption to document a traditional farmer`s knowledge on barleyrnvarieties in relation to their practices to identify their contribution to barley utilization. Thernethno-botany approach allowed us to determine the indigenous knowledge of local farmers onrnbarley. This knowledge is useful for participation in plant improvement or breeding program.rnThis knowledge also will help to conserve barley varieties and enable sustainable use of barley.