DETERMINANTS OF SMALLHOLDER FRUIT COMMERCIALIZATION: EVIDENCE FROM SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

The aim of the study was to identify determinants of smallholder fruit commercialization in southwest Ethiopia. To get the sampled respondents multi-stage sampling techniques were used and in view of that, three districts were selected purposively from Jimma zone by selecting eight kebeles randomly. At the end, total of 240 sample households were randomly selected from these kebeles. To answer the research questions and objective of the study both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected from fruit producers as sampled households, agricultural experts, local leaders and other subject matter specialists on various aspects of commercializing fruits. Primary data were collected from the respondents using a pre-testing questionnaires, structured interview schedule and closed and open-ended questionnaires by well-trained enumerators closely supervised by the researchers. Secondary data were previous research findings and reports collected from kebeles, districts, agricultural offices, ministry of trade, trade and revenue offices. Moreover, qualitative data were collected through discussions with different agents by using focus group discussion and key informant interviews. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, average mean, standard deviation, chi square and t-test) and econometric model (Probit model) to analyse determinant factors affecting smallholder’s participation decision in marketing of fruits. From the result, age of household heads, household family size, access to transport services, off-farm activities, access to extension services, distance to market, improved fruit seeds and perishability of fruit were significantly affecting smallholder farmer’s participation decision in commercialization of fruits. Therefore, to overcome the investigated problems strong commitment and reformation should be done by stakeholders including farmers, extension agents, researchers, policy makers

Top Photoselective Netting in Combination with Reduced Fertigation Results in Multi-Annual Yield Increase in Valencia Oranges (Citrus sinensis)

Fruit tree production is challenged by climate change, which is characterized by heat waves, warmer winters, increased storms, and recurrent droughts. The technology of top netting may provide a partial solution, as it alleviates climatic effects by microclimate manipulation. The tree physiological performance is improved under the nets, with an increased productivity and quality. The application of photoselective nets, which also alter the light spectrum, may result in additional horticultural improvements. We present the results of a 5-year experimental study on Valencia oranges, examining three nets: red, pearl, and transparent. Each net was tested at three fertigation conditions: a field standard (100%, I100) and two reduced fertigation regimes, which were 80% (I80) and 60% (I60) of the standard. The average multi-annual yield under the red and pearl nets with I100 and I80 and transparent net with I100 was significantly higher than that of the control trees. While the multi-annual yield increase under the red net I80 was due to the increase in the fruit number, in other treatments, the effect was mostly due to induction in the individual fruit weight. The data presented here show that an increased productivity of orange trees grown under photoselective nets, particularly the red net, with its specific spectral properties, was achieved with a considerable water-saving effect