Factors influencing smallholder participation in the pigeon peas market: A case of tete province, Mozambique

Abstract

Agricultural market participation in Mozambique has historically been very low. Despite a remarkable increase in pigeon peas production, the factors that influence smallholder participation in pigeon peas markets in Tete Province have remained unknown. The study therefore sought to determine factors that influence smallholder producers' participation in the pigeon peas market using the transaction cost theory. Multi-stage sampling was used to collect data from 73 households through semi-structured questionnaires and logistic and multiple regression models were used to assess factors affecting smallholder participation in the pigeon peas market. Proximity to main market, access to credit, regular attendance of farmer group meetings, trust among group members, age of head of household, household private assets endowment and adequate labour, access to extension services and provision of knowledge on pigeon peas production, and early planting positively influenced smallholders market participation. Time to travel to main market; ratio of active household members; working in other farmers' fields on casual basis; and food security limited smallholders' market participation. The study recommended the implementation of credit access schemes, investment in extension services, setting up of well-equipped village based markets, setting up platforms for regular interaction of producers to build social capital and interventions that enable building of private assets. The increasing importance of pigeon peas merits further research in other locations along the Zambia-Nacala Trade Corridor.