Abstract:
This study investigates the determinants of smallholder farmer’s participation in potato
production and market supply in Adaberga, the case of Oromia Regional State,Ethiopia.The
study specifically assess the level of potato production participation and market supply, identify
determinants of smallholder farmer’s participation in potato production and factors affecting
volume of potato market supply in the study area. The data were collected from farm households
through semi-structured questionnaires. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to
select 234 sampled respondents using probability proportional to size. Descriptive statistics and
econometric model such as Heckman selection model which include both participation and
observation equation were employed through to analyze the data. Probability of participation
was significantly determined by gender, educational level, farmland size, off-farm participation,
soil fertility, transportation, distance, credit service, price information and technology. Under
observation equation: educational level, farmland size, potato seed variety, soil fertility,
transportation, distance and price information had significant determinant variables. It is
recommended that , policies should emphasis on farmer’s to use modern potato farming
technology, creating awareness for gender equality in potato farming, improved seeds and
transportation facilities to farmer’s and access information. Furthermore, farmer’s should be
allocate land for potato farming in order to increase potato products and volume of potato
supply for the market ;inventory credit should be given; farmer’s should take awareness from
agricultural expert and take necessary care so that their land properly does not run out.
