Determinants of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Producers Market Outlet Choices in the Case of Sekela District, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Market choice for smallholder potato producers is mandatory, since potato is perishable horticultural crop and more demanded by the society. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of producers’ market outlet choice of potato in Sekela woreda, Ethiopia. Primary data was collected from 130 producers using structured questionnaire. For the marketing of potato, 39.4, 84.8, 87.6 and 43.2 of the respondents mainly choose wholesalers, retailer, end consumer and processor respectively. The result of multivariate probit model results indicated that experience in potato production, distance to nearest market, land allocated for potato production, quantity of potato supplied to market, frequency of extension contact and amount of credit taken significantly influenced market outlet choice for potato producers. The government and the concerned stakeholders need invest in rural infrastructure in order to reduce high transport cost incurred by the farmer and develop market access and linkages, improve land management practices, promoting the formation of potato marketing group in order to promote knowledge dissemination, improve farmers bargaining power, strengthening improved seed access and strengthening extension and credit service to improve the income of the farmers through selecting the best outlet.