Mango Value Chain Analysis: The Case of Boloso Bombe Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted with the main objective of identifying mango value chain actors and their respective functions, analyze distribution of the benefits among the actors and identify constraints and potential opportunities of mango production and marketing in the study area. About 138 smallholder mango producers were selected randomly from four kebele administrations proportionally. Both qualitative and quantitative types of data were used. Primary data was collected by using both close ended and open ended (semi- structured) questionnaire and personal interview, focus group discussion and key informant interview was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Margin analysis method was used to analyze distribution of benefits among the value chain actors. The study has indicated that direct actors along mango value chain may include input supplier, producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, processors and consumers and also indirect actors such as extension service providers, credit and saving service providers, marketing and cooperative office, and non-governmental organizations. Margin analysis for value chain actors indicated that about 89.43% of gross marketing margin in mango value chain goes to mango traders and producers earn about 10.57% of gross marketing margin. The major constraints of mango production and marketing during the survey period include lack of technology, limited supply of improved mango variety, low level of extension service provision, low level of knowledge and skill, lack of use of credit, lack of farmers’ cooperative, perishability, low price of mango, lack of postharvest management and lack of market information. Therefore, policy initiatives aiming at increasing farmers’ access to mango technologies, developing and improving market information, cooperative development, postharvest loss, innovation, improving extension system, price and credit are recommended to accelerate the development of mango value chain in the study area.

Keywords: Boloso Bombe, Mango, Margin Analysis, Value Chain Analysis