Analysis of Smallholder Farmer’s Participation in Sesame Production and Commercialization in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision to produce sesame for the export market in Kamba district of Game zone in southern Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from 380 sesame producing smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and double hurdle model were applied for the analysis. The result revealed that age, sex, farm size, off-farm income, level of education and distance to nearest market center have influenced the decision to participate in sesame production for export market while age, family and farm sizes, level of education, distance to close market center and access to market information have affected the extent of sesame export market supply. The study recommended that the government should enhance export volume of sesame production through implementing gender mainstreaming programs, encouraging participation in off-farm income activities, provision of non-formal education programs, land intensification techniques, promoting family planning programs and establishing near market information provision centers in the study area.