Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Kumilachew Alamerie; Mengistu Ketema; Fekadu Gelaw

doi:doi:10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

| Peer-Reviewed

Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Kumilachew Alamerie, Mengistu Ketema, Fekadu Gelaw

Published in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 3, Issue 6-1)

Received: 31 March 2014 Accepted: 24 April 2014 Published: 16 July 2014

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role in the production and investment behaviour of farmers in vegetable production decisions. However, in Kombolcha Woreda, only limited attention has been paid to understand the producers’ risk perceptions in vegetable production. Therefore, in this study, analysis of the major sources of risks in vegetable production, on the basis of farmers’ perceptions, was conducted. For the study, a two-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. Primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data sources were used. A Likert scale, based on farmers’ perception, was used to rank the various sources of vegetable production risks. The mean scores results, derived based on Likert scales, indicated that production and market risks were perceived to be the most important risk sources. Hence, price support mechanisms and inputs subsidy, education and training on formal risk management mechanisms (production contract, marketing contract, etc.); drought tolerant, and pest/disease resistant vegetable varieties and cultural and biological methods, and chemicals should be used to control such risks.

Published in	Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 3, Issue 6-1) This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment
DOI	10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
Page(s)	1-5
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2014. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Risk Perceptions, Vegetables Production, Likert Scale

References

[1]	Ali, J. and S. Kapoor, 2008. Farmers’ Perception on Risks in Fruits and Vegetables Production: An Empirical Study of Uttar Pradesh. Centre for Food and Agribusiness Management, Indian Institute of Management, Agricultural Economics Research Review, 21:317-326.
[2]	Ayinde, O.E., O.A. Omotesho and M.O. Adewumi, 2008. Risk Attitudes and Management Strategies of Small-Scale Crop Producers in Kwara State, Nigeria: A Ranking Approach. African Journal of Business Management, 2(12):217-221.
[3]	Bezabih Emana and Hadera Gebremedhin, 2007. Constraints and Opportunities of Horticulture Production and Marketing in Eastern Ethiopia. Drylands Coordination Group Report No. 46.
[4]	CSA (Central Statistical Agency), 2008. Summary and Statistical Report of the 2007 Population and Housing Census of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[5]	Dawit Alemu, Abera Deresa, Lemma Desalegn and Chemdo Anchala, 2004. Domestic Vegetable Seed Production and Marketing. Research Report No 5. EARO, Ethiopia. 17p.
[6]	Dercon, 2002. Income Risk, Coping Strategies and Safety Nets. The World Bank Research Observer, 17(2):141.
[7]	Dinham, B., 2003. Growing Vegetables in Developing Countries for Local Urban Populations and Export Markets: Problems Confronting Small-Scale Producers. Pest Management Science, 59:575-582.
[8]	Douglas, M., and A. Wildavsky, 1982. Risk and culture, An Essay on the Selection of Technical and Environmental Dangers. Berkeley: University of California Press.
[9]	EARO (Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization), 2000. Dry land Crop Research Program. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
[10]	EEA (Ethiopian Economic Association), 2012. Annual Report on Ethiopian Economy. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[11]	EHZP (East Hararghe Zone Profile), 2011. Socio-economic Profile of the East Hararghe Zone.
[12]	Goodwin, B.K. and A.K. Mishra, 2000. An Analysis of Risk Premia in U.S. Farm-Level Interest Rates. Agricultural Finance Review, 60:1-16.
[13]	Harwood, J. L., R.G. Heifner, K.H. Coble, J.E. Perry, and A. Somwaru, 1999. Managing Risk in Farming. Concepts, Research, and Analysis. Agri. Eco. Report 774, USDA-ERS, Commodity Economics Division, Washington D.C. 1999.
[14]	Holt, M.T. and J.P. Chavas, 2002. The Econometrics of Risk, in R.E. Just and R.D. Pope (eds.), A Comprehensive Assessment of the Role of Risk in U.S. Agriculture: Kluwer Academic Publishers, chapter 11:214-241.
[15]	Kohl, R, L. and J.N. Uhl, 1985. Marketing of Agricultural Product. Fifth Edition. McMillian Publishing Company, New York, USA----p.
[16]	KWP (Kombolcha Woreda Profile), 2011. Socio-economic Profile of the Kombolcha Woreda.
[17]	Rohrmann, B., 2008. Risk Perception, Risk Attitude, Risk Communication, Risk Management: A Conceptual Appraisal. University of Melbourne.
[18]	Rees, M., 2009. What is The Impact of Livelihood Strategies on Farmers’ Climate Risk Perceptions in the Bolivian Highlands? A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
[19]	Taiwo, A. and A.B. Ayanwale, 2005. Risk and Risk Management Strategies in Onion Production in Kebbi state of Nigeria. Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ille-Ife, Osun State, Nigera.
[20]	Tsegay Lubelu, 2010. High Value Agriculture in Eastern and Southern Africa: Increased Regional Trade: Opportunities and Issues, Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency.
[21]	Tveterås, R. and G.H. Wan, 2000. Flexible Panel Data Models for Risky Production Technologies with an Application to Salmon Aquaculture. Econometric Reviews 19(3):367-389.
[22]	Weinstein, N. D., 1989. Unrealistic Optimism about Future Life Events. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol., 39(5):806-820.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Kumilachew Alamerie, Mengistu Ketema, Fekadu Gelaw. (2014). Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 3(6-1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Kumilachew Alamerie; Mengistu Ketema; Fekadu Gelaw. Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Agric. For. Fish. 2014, 3(6-1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Kumilachew Alamerie, Mengistu Ketema, Fekadu Gelaw. Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Agric For Fish. 2014;3(6-1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11,
  author = {Kumilachew Alamerie and Mengistu Ketema and Fekadu Gelaw},
  title = {Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
  volume = {3},
  number = {6-1},
  pages = {1-5},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.s.2014030601.11},
  abstract = {In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role in the production and investment behaviour of farmers in vegetable production decisions. However, in Kombolcha Woreda, only limited attention has been paid to understand the producers’ risk perceptions in vegetable production. Therefore, in this study, analysis of the major sources of risks in vegetable production, on the basis of farmers’ perceptions, was conducted. For the study, a two-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. Primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data sources were used. A Likert scale, based on farmers’ perception, was used to rank the various sources of vegetable production risks. The mean scores results, derived based on Likert scales, indicated that production and market risks were perceived to be the most important risk sources. Hence, price support mechanisms and inputs subsidy, education and training on formal risk management mechanisms (production contract, marketing contract, etc.); drought tolerant, and pest/disease resistant vegetable varieties and cultural and biological methods, and chemicals should be used to control such risks.},
 year = {2014}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
AU  - Kumilachew Alamerie
AU  - Mengistu Ketema
AU  - Fekadu Gelaw
Y1  - 2014/07/16
PY  - 2014
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
T2  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JF  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JO  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
SP  - 1
EP  - 5
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5648
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
AB  - In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role in the production and investment behaviour of farmers in vegetable production decisions. However, in Kombolcha Woreda, only limited attention has been paid to understand the producers’ risk perceptions in vegetable production. Therefore, in this study, analysis of the major sources of risks in vegetable production, on the basis of farmers’ perceptions, was conducted. For the study, a two-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. Primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data sources were used. A Likert scale, based on farmers’ perception, was used to rank the various sources of vegetable production risks. The mean scores results, derived based on Likert scales, indicated that production and market risks were perceived to be the most important risk sources. Hence, price support mechanisms and inputs subsidy, education and training on formal risk management mechanisms (production contract, marketing contract, etc.); drought tolerant, and pest/disease resistant vegetable varieties and cultural and biological methods, and chemicals should be used to control such risks.
VL  - 3
IS  - 6-1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Kumilachew Alamerie

School of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Haramaya University, Ethiopia
Mengistu Ketema

School of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Haramaya University, Ethiopia
Fekadu Gelaw

School of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Kumilachew Alamerie, Mengistu Ketema, Fekadu Gelaw. (2014). Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 3(6-1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Kumilachew Alamerie; Mengistu Ketema; Fekadu Gelaw. Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Agric. For. Fish. 2014, 3(6-1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Kumilachew Alamerie, Mengistu Ketema, Fekadu Gelaw. Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Agric For Fish. 2014;3(6-1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11,
  author = {Kumilachew Alamerie and Mengistu Ketema and Fekadu Gelaw},
  title = {Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
  volume = {3},
  number = {6-1},
  pages = {1-5},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.s.2014030601.11},
  abstract = {In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role in the production and investment behaviour of farmers in vegetable production decisions. However, in Kombolcha Woreda, only limited attention has been paid to understand the producers’ risk perceptions in vegetable production. Therefore, in this study, analysis of the major sources of risks in vegetable production, on the basis of farmers’ perceptions, was conducted. For the study, a two-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. Primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data sources were used. A Likert scale, based on farmers’ perception, was used to rank the various sources of vegetable production risks. The mean scores results, derived based on Likert scales, indicated that production and market risks were perceived to be the most important risk sources. Hence, price support mechanisms and inputs subsidy, education and training on formal risk management mechanisms (production contract, marketing contract, etc.); drought tolerant, and pest/disease resistant vegetable varieties and cultural and biological methods, and chemicals should be used to control such risks.},
 year = {2014}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
AU  - Kumilachew Alamerie
AU  - Mengistu Ketema
AU  - Fekadu Gelaw
Y1  - 2014/07/16
PY  - 2014
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
T2  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JF  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JO  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
SP  - 1
EP  - 5
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5648
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
AB  - In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role in the production and investment behaviour of farmers in vegetable production decisions. However, in Kombolcha Woreda, only limited attention has been paid to understand the producers’ risk perceptions in vegetable production. Therefore, in this study, analysis of the major sources of risks in vegetable production, on the basis of farmers’ perceptions, was conducted. For the study, a two-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. Primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data sources were used. A Likert scale, based on farmers’ perception, was used to rank the various sources of vegetable production risks. The mean scores results, derived based on Likert scales, indicated that production and market risks were perceived to be the most important risk sources. Hence, price support mechanisms and inputs subsidy, education and training on formal risk management mechanisms (production contract, marketing contract, etc.); drought tolerant, and pest/disease resistant vegetable varieties and cultural and biological methods, and chemicals should be used to control such risks.
VL  - 3
IS  - 6-1
ER  -

Copy | Download