Value Chain Analysis of Bulla: The Case of Cheha and Mirab Azernet Districts

Abstract

Bulla is an important staple enset product for most people living in the densely populated regions of South and Southwestern Ethiopia. However, only limited intervention has been done to improve the product even the consumption demand increases from time to time in different part of the country. This research attempted to analyze value chain of bulla in Cheha and Mirab Azernet districts, SNNPR Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data were collected from 154 farmers, 35 traders and 28 consumers. The study result revealed that the production of bulla from enset were used more for consumption while the rest was marketed. In addition, interview and observation results also showed that the production of bulla declined because of enset disease that destroyed the crop, absences of institutional and technological enhancements were shared to existing inefficiencies in bulla production and utilization. Bulla value chain actors identified in the study include input suppliers, producers, local collectors, retailers, wholesalers, individual processors and consumers. Five market channels were identified for bulla marketing. The highest total gross marketing margins for bulla was 27.69% in channel V. The highest gross marketing margin of smallholder farmers in bulla market channels was 84.21% in channel II. The result of two stage double hurdle model revealed that, out of total 12 explanatory variables included in the model. Bulla market participation decision was significantly affected by quantity of bulla produced, enset production experience and market information. Quantity of bulla produced, education level, preferred quality of the product by buyers, marketing experiences, average bulla market price and extension service access significantly affected the volume of bulla sales. Policy recommendations drawn from the study results include improve the input access system, farmers knowledge and experience on bulla ...........