Assessment of Wheat Production and Marketing Systems in East Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was undertaken in selected districts of East Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, with objectives to assess and describe wheat production and marketing systems in the area. As sampling procedures, three stage sampling procedures were employed to select a total of 253 sample farmers. Primary data were collected from sampled households through a household survey, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. On average about 0.48 hectares of land was allocated to wheat, and the average productivity of wheat was 20.87 quintals per hectare in the study area. The survey result also indicated that about 63.7%) of the farmers have used improved wheat seeds. Moreover, the survey result indicated that six major wheat-marketing channels were identified to deliver the product from producer to consumers in the study area. Diseases, shortage of improved seeds, timely unavailability of inputs, and lack of access to pesticides were found as the main constraints in the area. To address these constraints and to enhance wheat production and productivity in the area, recently released improved wheat varieties (rust resistant, adaptation and good yield potential) should be introduced and delivered to farmers to ensure increased wheat productivity, and research centers and Universities has been striving toward releasing improved wheat varieties. The extension system, Research centers and other stakeholders need to place a greater emphasis on improving availability of improved seeds, and dissemination of knowledge that will help the farmers in the access and use of inputs. The government gives emphasises to improving access to tractors and combine harvesters, and promotion of wheat row planters and small scale wheat threshers in the area.