Bananas Value Chain Analyses the Case of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Banana (Musa spp.) is a multi-purpose crop in terms of food security, income generation, job opportunities, and animal feeding in Ethiopia. On the other hand, not all banana producers can capture the benefits associated with producing and marketing a premium quality banana product. Therefore, this study was conducted and documented to examine the value chain of bananas and to identify existing challenges and opportunities among smallholder banana producers in the case of Wonago district using 176 samples of participants. Structured questionnaires, group discussions, and interviews were applied to collect qualitative and quantitative data types. Descriptive data analysis techniques were used for primary data collected from a sample of the farmers. Necessary secondary data were collected from different published and unpublished documents. The result of the study revealed that the lack of a properly organized market, the occurrence of diseases, and the unavailability of improved varieties were challenges and setbacks banana value chain in the study area. On the other hand, suitable agroecology for the production of bananas is an opportunity for banana producers in the study area. It is therefore recommended that improvement in storage methods and materials needed to be upgraded to reduce product losses. Creating awareness of the fast information flows should be encouraged as the most effective ways performed by all primary and secondary actors involved in the bananas value chain.