Assessment of the Wheat Value Chain Role in Food Security in Arsi Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study examined the role of wheat value chain in the food security in Arsi Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. It uses both primary and secondary data collected through questionnaires, FGD, interview and desk review from a total of 336 randomly selected households. Data were analyzed using value chain mapping, percentage and cross-tabulations of frequency distribution. The result from the value chain analysis indicates the main actors in the study area include input suppliers, producers, brokers, wholesalers, processors, traders, and consumers, while the supporting actors are DAs, BoARD, cooperatives/unions, trade and industry office, and financial/credit institutions. Farmers receive a low-profit shares (23.81%) despite the fact that they are determined to produce quality wheat and bearing all the related risk of production. Farmers in the study area encounter marketing problem during harvesting seasons which accommodate the cost of production and create profit. Likewise, the well function of wheat value chain enhances the food security status of the poor in increasing their production and productivity, and generating income which increases their economic capacity. Therefore, the study recommends the government and other stakeholder should create effective and efficient market which benefit the farmers on one hand and strengthening the well function of value chain which increases the participation of the farmers in the chain.