Determinants of Smallholder teff Producer Farmers Market Participation in Merhabete District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Teff production contributes significantly to the economy in terms of cash income and food security, especially for the smallholder teff producers in rural areas of Ethiopia. This study examined Smallholder Teff producer Farmers Market Participation in Merhabete district with the objectives of identifying factors influencing teff market participation and intensity of participation. Cross sectional data was used for the study. A two stage sampling procedure was used to draw 150 sample producers from four teff producer kebeles and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Secondary data sources were also used for the study. Double hurdle model was used to identify factors influencing market participation decision and intensity of participation in teff market. The result of the first hurdle confirmed that participation decision was positively affected by frequency of extension contact, land allocated for teff, productivity of teff and teff production experience; whereas family size, and non-farm income influenced teff market participation decision negatively. The second hurdle indicated that intensity of teff market participation positively and significantly affected by land allocated for teff, productivity of teff, teff production experience and numbers of equine owned. The study indicated government and other stakeholders need to strengthen market oriented teff production, agricultural input or service delivery, increasing frequency of extension contacts, land intensification, family planning, and involvement in facilitating transportation services.