CHALLENGES OF POTATO PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN DENDI WOREDA, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the challenges of potato production and marketing in Dendi Woreda, West Shewa Zone, in Central Ethiopia. To do so, firstly the study Woreda was stratified by agro-ecology into two (Dega and Woina-Dega). Secondly, four rural kebeles namely Awash Bolloto and Kotoba Jaleta from Woina-Dega and Galesa Koftu and Danisa Teniko from Dega were selected using lottery method from Woina-Dega and Dega agro-ecological zone respectively. Thirdly, 173 sample respondents were selected by using random sampling techniques from selected kebeles including both male and female headed households. To achieve the objectives, the researcher used a survey design. The primary data were collected through questionnaire, semi-structured interview, focus group discussion and observation from the field. To support the primary data, secondary data also collected from different documents and studies and all were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Simple statistical descriptions like frequency and percentages as well as Pearson correlation were employed with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Studies for analyzing and interpreting the data collected. The analysis of the study was also supplemented with visual photographs recorded during field observation. The study finding showed that, Dendi Woreda has large size of potato potential that played a vital role for economic development. However, this sector has not grown in the Woreda. The finding also revealed that potato production and marketing has several constraints. The constraints includes lack of initial capital, diseases or pests, lack of labor requirements, lack of improved seed and lack of (limited) fertilizer use. The constraints of potato marketing were low price of the product, poor infrastructure and poor marketing channel. Therefore, more emphasis should be given to improving potato production and productivity as well as marketing through strong extension services in proper management of potato farm lands, fertilizer use, improved seed, pesticide use as well as strong physical infrastructure and improve potato marketing channel and information.