Abstract
This research attempted to generate useful information on tea out growers’ constraints and opportunities in tea production and marketing, which helps governmental institutions to assess their activities and redesign their operations. The research was done by interviewing tea out growers surrounding the two major tea plantations Wush Wush and Gumero in south west Ethiopia. Data was collected from 120 randomly selected households. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Relative Severity Index to analyze constraints. The obtained result showed that, out-growers on average allocated 1.37 ha land to produce tea. They plucked on average 295 kg/ha export standard or 731 kg/ha local standard green tea leaves in one harvest in main season. Relative Severity index analysis revealed that out growers’ major constraints of tea production were high price and timely availability of inputs, shortage of inputs, high cost of production, need intensive plot management, lack of capital, no government intervention and extension service and lack of training. However, they have good opportunities in obtaining frequent income almost throughout the year, high cash income, low risk of animal damage and theft. Keywords : Tea out growers, Gumero, Wush Wush, Relative Severity Index, constraints DOI: 10.7176/DCS/11-6-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2021
Highlights
Ethiopia’s overall economic and social development is highly dependent on the growth and development of the agriculture sector which contributes almost half of the GDP, employs about 85% of the labor force, accounts for about 75% of the foreign exchange earnings, and provides livelihood for over 80% of the population living mainly in rural areas (CSA, 2015)
The Primary data was collected by interviewing smallholder tea growers using questionnaire developed for quantitative information and through Focal Group Discussion (FGD) for qualitative information
The two main Tea Development Farms in Ethiopia, Wush Wush and Gumero, have made contract farming with out-growers in their surrounding kebeles
Summary
Ethiopia’s overall economic and social development is highly dependent on the growth and development of the agriculture sector which contributes almost half of the GDP, employs about 85% of the labor force, accounts for about 75% of the foreign exchange earnings, and provides livelihood for over 80% of the population living mainly in rural areas (CSA, 2015). The key concept underlying ADLI is an export-led development strategy aimed at promoting economic growth in Ethiopia while coordinating agricultural and industrial development. Tea is the most widely consumed stimulant beverage worldwide followed by coffee, and accounts for about 46% of the world's beverage market. It is served as morning drink for nearly two-third of the world population. The young shoots (leaves, leaf buds, and internodes) of the tea plant are harvested and processed using various methods. It is consumed in several forms depending on the type of processing technique involved. Of the different tea types; white, yellow, green, oolong and black tea are the major ones prepared and marketed in the world (Sharma et al, 2007)
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