Determinants of market participation and intensity of marketed surplus of smallholder chickpea producers in Este woreda

Abstract

AbstractIn Ethiopia, chickpea is an important legume crop, particularly in Este district. It is a source of food and provides cash income for majority of smallholder farmers. To commercialize chickpea producers, selecting an appropriate market channel is important for participation. Hence, this study aimed to identifying factors affecting chickpea market participation and volume of marketed surplus of chickpea. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Moreover, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected directly from chickpea farmers through semistructured questionnaire. Focus group discussion and field observations were undertaken during primary data collection in the study area. Combination of data analysis methods like descriptive analysis and econometric models were employed. Heckman model result indicated that market participation decision was significantly affected by age, family size, lagged price, and distance to the market and market supply by frequency of extension contacts, quantity produced, transport ownership, and distance to the market. Based on the findings, government and concerned stakeholders need to focus more on enhancing accessibility of infrastructures facilities to promote marketing of chickpea and increase marketed surplus as well as expanding market access and improving yield through strengthening extension service in order to accelerate market chain development.