Abstract:
Jeldu district is known for potato production. However, lower production and
productivity, low output price, high input prices are major problems. The purpose of
this study was, therefore, to assess practice, challenges and opportunities of potato
supply chain in Jeldu district, west showa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. The study used
descriptive research design and mixed research approach. Primary data were
collected from 123 potato producer households. Questionnaire and interview
techniques were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze
the data. Regarding supply chain practice, the studies revealed that majority of the
respondents have no trade permission. The study indicates that all of the producers
have the willingness to expand potato production. But Lack of irrigation facility,
disease and pests, high input cost, weak extension services, delay of fertilizer
distributions, poor quality seed and adverse weather condition are production
challenges identified in the study area. Low output price, poor road infrastructure,
limited credit services, shortage of capital, lack of continuous supply, and high
transportation costs are also challenges in the study area. Majority of the respondents
have no processor and collectors. However, crop production and livestock production
are the major sources of their income. The study suggests that the government and
stakeholders should focus on developing irrigation facility, distributing quality inputs,
fertilizers and chemicals timely, identifying and disseminating high yielding and
disease resistant potato seed varieties, strengthening the provision of formal and
informal education, improving rural infrastructure and promoting coordination among
value chain actors.
