Practices, Challenges And Opportunities Of Potato Production In Case Of Jeldu District West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

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.