Practices and Constraints of Turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val) Production and Marketing by Smallholder Farmers: The case of Yeki Woreda, Shaka zone in southwestern Ethiopia
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Date
2009-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Turmeric(Curcuma domestica Val) is one of the spices produced in Ethiopia entirely
by smallholder subsistence farmers in southwestern part of the country. It
composes a significant proportion of smallholders' income and it is one of the
diversification crop used by coffee growers. It is also one of the potential export
crop considered in agricultural development strategy of Ethiopia towards the
commercialization of smallholders' farming. However, the total production volume
and productivity of turmeric is very low compared to its potential in the
country. Its contribution to the spice export compared to its potential is yet unexploited
because of the weak link of production and marketing. Farmers use
low yielding varieties and traditional harvesting and processing techniques.
This study was initiated to assess the current practices and constraints of turmeric
production and marketing in major production areas and to draw lesson
for future interventions. The empirical study was conducted in Yeki woreda of
Shaka zone in Southwestern Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative data
were used that are collected through PRA tools and structured questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze household survey while the
qualitative data was analyzed and interpreted through explanations and logical
reasoning at the spot.
Even though turmeric production plays an important role in the producers livelihood,
it's trend of production, productivity and quality has declined continuously
for the last ten years. Farmers are currently aggressively replaced by
maize, sorghum and coffee because of the relative price decline of turmeric. The
market situation is characterized by anti-competitiveness and the producers were
forced into the role of price takers. Its production and marketing are highly constrained
by low prices, poor marketing information services; labor and fuel
shortages; weak extension services and poor processing techniques and imp lexi
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ments. Reforming the anticompetitive marketing system of turmeric; improving
the e~tension services; promotion of improved processing implements; provision
of relevant marketing information through appropriate methods such as local
radios can motivate farmers to continue producing turmeric. In this way the
commercialization and specialization.. programs of agricultural development
strategy will continue contributing to poverty reduction and diversification of
export items simultaneously.
Key words: Turmeric, spices, Southwestern, marketing information, commercialization
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Production and Marketing by Smallholder Farmers