Production and Marketing Risks for Tomato Growers in Halabja and Sulaymani Governorates in the Kurdistan Region / Iraq

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the level of production and marketing risks facing tomato growers in the governorates of Halabja and Sulaymani, As well as determining the discrepancy between the independent variables studied for the respondents and the production and marketing risks, The data was collected using a questionnaire and the method of personal interview by taking a multi-stage random sample by selecting four regions famous for tomato cultivation in Halabja and Sulaymani governorates with (2050) farmers. Then, in the second stage, a proportional stratified random sample (16%) of the research population was taken. The sample size was (328) farmers. The results showed that the level of production and marketing risks facing tomato growers is high and tends to be medium. The result showed that there is no discrepancy in the opinions of farmers about the production and marketing risks facing tomato growers according to the research variables (Age, Size of farm holding, Type of farm holding, and Contact with the Agricultural Extension Worker), Conversely, disparities arise in relation to the research variables (Educational level, Years of agricultural experience, Volume of tomato production during the year, Involvement in training programs, Sources of agricultural information). Therefore, the researchers recommend intensifying specialized Involvement in training programs in the field of tomato production, marketing, and distributing production and marketing requirements to farmers at reasonable prices or supported by the government.